Headlines
Planning on Social Security at 62? Maybe you should wait
Well over 40% of retirees start their Social Security benefits at age 62, the earliest age possible to collect retirement benefits. That’s kind of surprising, considering the cut in benefits that they’ll take and that most retired people rely on Social Security…
Tax Reform and 401k Savings Plans–What New Limits Would Mean
Many workers have 401k savings plans at the core of their retirement planning, and any major limitations placed on this tax-deferral strategy could dampen their ability to put aside funds for those later years. As tax reform discussions heat up,…
Social Security Reform & the Continuing Debate on the Taxable Cap
There are always two sides to a story, and that’s certainly the case with respect to the argument for removing the cap on earnings subject to Social Security tax. In 2018, this cap will reach the $128,700 level, meaning that…
It’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Time…And Here’s a Quick Review of the Scams in Play
Now through December 9, many seniors will be giving their Medicare coverage considerable attention as the Annual Enrollment Period takes place. This, of course is the time when Medicare beneficiaries can review and modify, if they wish, their Part C…
Mitigating the “Motherhood Gap” in Social Security Benefits
The working history of females tends to differ over time, specifically with respect to the bearing of children. Statistics show that female workers without children tend to realize a higher benefit as a result of not experiencing interruptions in work and earnings…
A Quick Synopsis of Social Security’s Current Solvency Outlook
The rumors about Social Security’s impending demise seem to persist, as do the rumors about the government plundering the Social Security Trust Funds and reallocating their accumulated reserves to other causes. The facts are really quite different. First, Social Security…
401k Balances Are Up, but Does That Mean the Retirement Savings Problem is Resolved?
The short answer is “no,” according to an article posted by CNBC reported Bob Pisani. In fact, with the median balance in these deferred compensation plans held by folks 65 years of age and older holding steady at about $60,000, the financial…
Do you know enough about Social Security?
For so many Americans, Social Security is a fundamental part of financial solvency in their retirement years. In fact, as explained on the Social Security Administration’s website, “With retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, Social Security is one of the most successful anti-poverty…
Maximizing your Social Security benefit
Assuming you have met or exceeded Social Security’s “payroll tax cap” each year in the 35 years used to compute your benefit, the “maximum” amount of Social Security – the maximum primary insurance amount you’d be entitled to if you retire in 2017…
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan: Which is best?
Influenced by Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, which runs now through December 7th, many seniors are focused on which of the multiple Medicare options is best for them. If you’re new to Medicare, then deciding on whether to go with original Medicare or a Medicare…