Headlines
The “maximum” Social Security benefit, and how to get it
The Social Security Administration has an annual “maximum” benefit amount, which can go up a little each year. But their definition of maximum isn’t really the most you can get if you know the rules and can wait a little longer to start collecting. …
Steps for a comfortable retirement, other than maximizing savings
Sure, building the largest possible nest egg is important to living out your post-career life in comfort. But even if you haven’t saved as much as you wish, there are still strategies you can use to help ease the fear…
The 2018 Social Security change you haven’t heard about
Social Security has recently announced the changes you will see in the program next year, foremost among which are a 2% COLA increase, a rise in the payroll tax cap, and a small increase in the earnings limit for those collecting…
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…