Headlines
Pay close attention to Social Security in your retirement strategy
With traditional defined-benefit pension plans largely disappearing from the employment landscape, Social Security takes on an ever increasing importance when planning for retirement. Two key claiming strategies for couples to maximize their benefits have all but disappeared, but it’s still…
Women shouldn’t wait to secure their retirement
Women face unique challenges when it comes to preparing for their retirement. They often don’t work as many years, earn as much, or save as much as their male counterparts, so planning for retirement should take an even more urgent…
Why do people take Social Security early?
Why do so many people take their Social Security benefits early? According to a recent Boston College survey, the reasons are myriad, but the fact is that a majority of people apply for Social Security benefits before their full retirement…
When to apply for Social Security? Knowing these facts will help you decide.
Social Security is arguably the most important government program the majority of America’s senior citizens will ever participate in, so making sure you understand the basics of how the system works is crucial. It’s not always wise to wait until your full…
Lower Premiums Prices May Be Headed Your Way
For seniors, Medicare is a critical social program. Without it, many might struggle to pay their medical bills and receive the necessary medical care. So enrolling in Medicare, or a Medicare Advantage plan, for those 65 and up is crucial…
Protecting Your Social Security Information in the Wake of Breaches
First, it was Equifax in the news, then it was Yahoo hitting the media airwaves, and who can forget Target’s revelations? Now, even fast food chain Sonic has joined the parade. From all that’s been reported, it’s pretty clear that…
“Framing” the Decision on When to File for Social Security
Important financial decisions–your starting point for drawing Social Security benefits, for example–require considerable analysis in order to achieve the most advantageous outcome. Adherence to a long-term plan to save for retirement is another area where extensive thought to the future…
A COLA Increase Is Likely, But What Will the Net Be?
Recent 2018 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) projections for seniors point toward something in the 2% range. That’s the good news. As so often is the case in life, though, there’s also a bad news aspect to the story, and that’s the…
RMDs Can Help Ensure Financial Liquidity in Retirement
Financial articles frequently present thoughts on spend-down rates for tax-deferred accounts–IRAs and 401Ks, for example–that can keep you from depleting your retirement savings base too early. Some say 5%, some say 4%, recognizing that the final outcome is based on…
The Time for Retirement Savings is Now
Robert L. Reynolds, president and CEO of Putnam Investments and Great-West Financial, offers an opinion on the importance of taking appropriate steps to promote savings opportunities for the large portion of future retirees who are behind the curve, so to…