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Thinking about retirement? Here’s what you should know
Planning for your retirement can sometimes seem, to quote Winston Churchill, like a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. While many planners will say you’ll need 80% of your working income in retirement, reality is that you have…
No Social Security cuts through next year
While it has been widely publicized that the Social Security program needs Congress’ attention to strengthen it, it looks like no cuts to the program will occur at least through next year. But since Social Security benefit payments will exceed income starting in…
The Big Question: When to File for Social Security Benefits?
As the years go rolling by, it’s always somewhere in the back of your mind. And as you enter your 60s, it moves closer to the forefront. What we’re talking about is the simple–but BIG–question of when to begin drawing…
“Gray Divorce” Trend Complicates Social Security Benefits Picture
The claiming of spousal benefits under Social Security can be either fairly straightforward, or it can be a bit complicated, depending on your marital situation. In recent years, the proportion of divorce decrees involving people age 50 and older has trended…
Does It Sound Too Good To Be True?
(Source: Social Security Administration) Have you heard the expression, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is?” That is a good rule of thumb to spot a scam. Educating yourself is the best defense against fraud, identity…
“Ask Rusty” Syndicated Social Security Information Growing
Earlier this year, the AMAC Foundation launched a new service–a by-product of the re-launch last year of its Social Security Advisory Service–in which Q&A-type information is distributed weekly to some 7,000 media outlets nationwide. The feedback has been gratifying, with many…
The Importance of “Longevity Planning”
Living into the 90s is becoming increasingly possible, with the Social Security Administration estimating that one in four 65-year-olds will make it into their tenth decade. That’s generally a great thing, assuming your physical health and your financial health can sustain you through…
Inspector General Warns Public about Phone Calls from OIG “Imposters”
(Source: Social Security Administration) The Acting Inspector General of Social Security, Gale Stallworth Stone, is warning citizens about a nationwide telephone “imposter phishing” scheme. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have received several…
Retirement Crisis Seen as Real for Many Americans
Survey results published by the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) indicate that many Americans strongly agree that our country faces a retirement crisis in the years ahead. Citing the difficulties in saving for those later years and the costs of…
Married Couples Need to Talk
When married couples plan their retirement, they should take into account that on average women live longer than men. This affects many integral parts of financial planning, including pensions and Social Security benefits. In Gregory Ricks’ column appearing on Kiplinger…