5 Financial Blog Ideas for May

What should financial marketers and advisors talk about this month? Our monthly roundup has you covered with timely topics for blog posts, social media campaigns, and other marketing ideas. 

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Topic #1: The Oracle of Omaha speaks 

Every May, Berkshire Hathaway hosts their annual shareholder meeting, aka Woodstock for Capitalists.

What started as a modest event in 1973 held in the employee cafeteria of National Indemnity Company now hosts an estimated 40,000 shareholders. In short: It is a big deal.

The meeting is a forum for Buffett and his longtime business partner, Charlie Munger, to discuss the performance of Berkshire Hathaway and its portfolio of investments and their views on the economy and the markets. They also answer questions from shareholders and others in attendance. A few key themes usually reflect the current state of the economy and the markets. For example, in recent years, the discussions have focused on topics such as the impact of technology on businesses, the rise of China as an economic power, and the need for corporate responsibility.

The angle

• Leverage the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting to create content highlighting key takeaways from the event. (Pro tip: We love a good listicle for this one!)
• Analyze Buffett’s investment strategy from the previous year and the years past.
• Offer insights into the market trends that were discussed. (Throwing in a few solid Buffet quotes is always a good idea!)

Blog inspiration

• Takeaways From the 2022 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting (The Motley Fool)
• 8 Things I Learned From The 2022 Berkshire Hathaway Meeting (Forbes)
• What I Hope My 12-Year-Old Learned At Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting (Morningstar)

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Topic #2: Summer travel 

In the summertime when the weather is high. You can stretch right up and touch the sky. When the weather’s fine. You got travel, you got travel on your mind …

The summer travel season is typically defined as the period between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September in the United States. The rise of budget airlines, vacation rentals, and other alternative travel options has made summer travel more accessible to a wider range of travelers — and they’re looking for your best money advice.

The angle

• Budget-friendly travel tips: Many people want to save money on their summer vacations. Offer advice on finding cheap flights, saving money on hotels, and getting the most out of travel rewards.
• Responsible travel: Many readers are worried about the impact of travel on the environment. Cover affordable, responsible travel practices to reduce their carbon footprint like eco-friendly hotels, sustainable tourism activities, and tips on reducing waste while traveling.
• Personal experience: Don’t forget to highlight your personal experience juggling finances and great getaways.

Blog inspiration

• 6 Tips to Avoid Overspending on Your Summer Vacation (Stoddard Financial)
• How to Take a Summer Vacation Without Busting Your Budget (Bankrate)
• 5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Summer Vacation Budget (Canopy Credit Union)

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Topic #3: Small business month 

First established in 1963, Small Business Month raises awareness about the contributions of small businesses to the economy.

During May, various events are typically held to support and promote small businesses — including educational seminars, networking events, and workshops on topics such as marketing, financing, and business planning. Small Business Month is also an opportunity for individuals and organizations to show support for small businesses and recognize the hard work and dedication of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Financial content marketers can focus on providing small business owners with practical, actionable advice and information that can help them succeed.

The angle

• Financing options for small businesses: Many small businesses struggle with access to capital, and there are a variety of financing options available, including loans, grants, and crowdfunding.
• Tax tips: Small business owners are often responsible for filing their own taxes, and there are a variety of tax deductions and credits that can help them save money.
• Managing cash flow: Cash flow management is a top concern for many small businesses. Consider covering strategies for managing cash flow effectively.

Blog inspiration

• 7 Tips to Manage Your Business Finances (LendingTree)
• 15 Expert Tips To Help Small-Business Owners Better Manage Financial Risk (Forbes)
• 4 Smart Money Management Tips for New Small Business Owners (First State Community Bank)

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Topic #4: Gearing up for next year’s Tax Day 

OK, here us out: We know Tax Day is over and you’re over it, but you should still be talking about taxes.

Why?

Readers still have their tax bill on their minds — especially if they got back less than they expected (or worse, owed money). Now is a great time to help them prep for next year. The early bird catches the worm, right?

The angle

• Strategies for minimizing tax liability: Many small business owners and individuals may be able to reduce their tax liability by using various strategies, such as taking advantage of tax deductions, credits, and exemptions.
• Record keeping and organization: Keeping accurate records and staying organized is critical when planning for taxes.
• The benefits of early tax planning: Planning for taxes early can have many benefits, including reducing stress, avoiding penalties, and potentially saving money.

Blog inspiration

• How to Plan Ahead for Taxes in Retirement (Charles Schwab)
• 6 Tips for Planning Next Year’s Taxes Now (TaxAct)
• 6 Tax Tips for Year-Round Planning (US Bank)

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Topic #5: 529 College savings plan 

May 29th is officially 529 College Savings Day (get it?). With graduations starting in May, this is also a great time to discuss college financial planning and investment strategies.

529 savings plans are offered by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and can be used to save for college, graduate school, and other post-secondary education expenses. They are funded with after-tax dollars, and the investment earnings in the account grow tax-free. When the funds are withdrawn to pay for qualified education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board, the withdrawals are also tax-free.

Your audience likely has a lot of questions about this investment vehicle.

The angle

• Tax advantages: The investment earnings in a 529 savings plan grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are also tax-free.
• Flexibility: 529 savings plans can be used at any accredited college or university in the United States and many international institutions.
• High contribution limits: Many 529 savings plans have high contribution limits, allowing individuals to save significant amounts for education expenses.

Blog inspiration

• What Is a 529 College Savings Plan? (BlackRock)
• 529 Plan Rules and Contribution Limits (NerdWallet)
• What Is a 529 Plan? Myths vs Facts (Capital One)

Want to look further ahead?  Download our Financial Marketing Calendar to stay up-to-date on financial events and themes all year round.