Are Municipal Bonds Still Safe?

+ The unemployment rules in each state If you are having trouble viewing this email, click here.

The coronavirus has strained government budgets just as it has squeezed family finances. Even early in the pandemic, my son's middle school principal knew that his operating budget would be frozen for the coming school year. That's just one example of how organizations will have to cope with less in the wake of COVID-19. Unlike the federal government, states are generally required to balance their budgets. So more spending in one place means less spending in another. Investors are wondering how this shaky financial situation affects municipal bonds, the interest-paying securities issued by state and local governments to finance infrastructure and other projects. As long as you buy strategically and don't blindly chase yield, munis can still play a role in your retirement income portfolio. Learn how in today's edition.    Best wishes, Elizabeth     P.S. If you got this newsletter from a friend, sign up here for email delivery to make sure you don't miss the next issue. To listen on podcast platforms or smart speakers, click here. TIMELY RETIREMENT NEWS, INSIGHTS, AND ADVICE Are Municipal Bonds Still a Safe Source of Retirement Income During Coronavirus?   Yes, if you're selective.   What You Can Expect From the Coronavirus Recession, According to Economists   Don't expect a quick turn-around. Here Are Every State's Unemployment Rules for Work Search and Waiting Periods   Check out our interactive maps for the latest on your state. RETIRE WITH MONEY COMMUNITY INSIGHTS   Members of the Retire with Money Facebook group have an urgent message for anyone who hasn't already received a stimulus check: watch your mail carefully. The U.S. Treasury announced last week that it would issue 4 million prepaid Visa debit cards instead of paper checks to remaining recipients. As this Business Insider story explains, debit cards are arriving in "plain envelopes" from Money Network Cardholder Services, without any indication they come from the government. As such, they are being mistaken for spam or a scam, and some people (including a group member) have thrown theirs out. The good news is you're able to request a replacement. RETIREMENT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB Make The Perfect Cup Of Quarantine Coffee With Davóne Tines   A once-itinerant opera singer learns to slow down in quarantine--and shares his perfect pour-over coffee recommendation. NPR New Medicare Program to Cap Insulin Monthly Copays at $35 Next Year   Eighty-eight health insurers have agreed to participate in a new insulin pilot program whose participants could see their monthly copays for certain insulin prescriptions capped at $35 in 2021. AARP Opinion: 5 Common Financial Mistakes Women Make During Divorce   Don't rely on your divorce attorney to evaluate the long-term financial impact of various settlement options, and other tips.  MARKETWATCH Here's How Unpaid Debt Is Handled When a Person Dies   It depends on the type of debt and your state.  CNBC ABOUT ELIZABETH Elizabeth O'Brien is deputy editor at MONEY. She has covered retirement and health care for nearly a decade. A Brooklyn resident and mom of two boys, she navigates the alphabet soup of Medicare and the New York City subway system with equal ease. You can email her at elizabeth.obrien@money.com and follow her on Twitter at @elizobrien.

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