Headlines
Demystifying Medicare
Medicare, part of President Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society,” was first enacted in 1965. As it has evolved over the decades, Medicare now consists of four unique “parts,” each designed to provide specific healthcare insurance coverage to American seniors. Here are…
Social Security Reform and Its Many Options
Most folks are keenly aware of the steadily eroding financial picture for Social Security. In fact, the media chatter about the benefit cut that could be expected absent congressional attention is causing alarm among both current and future beneficiaries. So…
A Deeper Dive into the Governmental Shutdown
For the 21st time since 1976, the federal government has been shut down due to Congress’s inability to reach an agreement on funding plans. What’s unknown, of course, is how long the curtailment of government services will continue. Still, if…
The Shutdown is Now Underway…What’s the Impact on Social Security Payments?
It’s here…the federal government officially shut down at 12:01 a.m. today following a no vote on a stopgap funding bill that would have allowed for continued operation through November 21. Naturally, the question foremost on the minds of many of…
A Refresher on the March Toward Social Security Insolvency
The published projections vary a bit. The most recent Social Security Trustees Report sets 2033 as the year when trust fund reserves will be fully depleted, but the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) sees late 2032 as the…
The Role of Life Expectancy in Retirement Decisions
October is National Retirement Security Month and, thus, a good time to focus on an important question – When should I take my Social Security benefits? While there are several factors to consider when making that decision, don’t overlook the role of…
“IRMAA:” A Medicare Surprise!!
“IRMAA:” A Medicare Surprise!! Have you ever been surprised by something that occurred more than a year ago, which you must now pay for? Such is the case for many Medicare beneficiaries who are affected by a Medicare provision known…
Will I Get A 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)?
Traditionally, as we approach the 4th quarter each year, we have come to expect the announcement of various Social Security changes for the upcoming year. Probably the most highly anticipated of these changes is the annual Cost of Living Adjustment…
Demystifying Your Social Security Benefit
Winston Churchill famously described the Soviet Union as “a riddle inside an enigma wrapped in a mystery.” That may also be an appropriate way to describe your Social Security benefit, or so it seems when trying to understand how your…
Retirement Security for your Dependent(s)
With October, which is National Retirement Security Month, just around the corner, it’s important not only look at your personal retirement security but also the retirement security for your dependents. Of course, your spouse is each person’s usual beneficiary but,…