Headlines
The Equifax Breach and Your Social Security–Time to Step Up the Vigilance
By now, you’ve no doubt seen the numbers and have read about the extent of the vulnerability faced by millions of Americans. With a reported 143 million Americans potentially impacted by the theft of personal data, it becomes clear that…
Next year’s COLA may not be as much as projected
Highlighting the folly of trying to predict the future, those who regularly watch the Consumer Price Index (CPI) are now projecting that the 2018 COLA increase won’t be as much as predicted by the Social Security Trustees’ Report released in July. That…
Don’t miss healthcare costs when planning for retirement
When you’re planning for your golden years, you of course take into account living expenses such as mortgage or rent, food, utilities and other basic costs. But the one big thing you shouldn’t forget to plan for is healthcare, because even though…
Musings of a retired Social Security employee
Noted columnist Tom Margenau often writes about Social Security matters offering advice to those with questions, and he is well qualified to do so given his long time employment at the Social Security Administration. But with the budget cuts and staff…
Medicare Basics: Know the coverage available to you
Although nearly all seniors are reliant upon this crucial healthcare program, many are not at all familiar with the various parts of Medicare and the coverage options available to them. While on the surface seemingly simple, Medicare actually is several…
Could the Equifax hack put your Social Security benefits at risk?
The news last week about the criminal hacking of Equifax data for 143 million Americans was, to say the least, especially disconcerting because Social Security numbers were part of the stolen data. And although most media coverage focuses on the usual…
The Equifax hack, and how it could affect you
The stealing of personal data of 143 million Americans from credit company Equifax made big news last week, and the fact that Social Security numbers were among the data stolen makes this an especially egregious incident. But what is also egregious…
Taking a Critical Look at the Popular Arguments Against Social Security
Although there has not been nearly enough coverage in the press about Social Security’s long-term solvency issue, there has nevertheless been recurring conjecture from those who seek to disparage the program. Kent Treiber, columnist for Western Nevada County California’s “The…
Retirement Savings and Women: Concerns are Evident
It’s National 401k Day or, in other words, the Friday after Labor Day. The theme surrounding this day of recognition for retirement savings vehicles is one of planning for the post-career years and one of promoting the wisdom of using…
Social Security Factors Big in CBPP Analysis of Future Spending
Citing the aging of America’s population and a rise in health care costs that exceeds overall growth in the economy, a report issued yesterday by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities‘ Paul Van de Water provides a projection that…