Headlines
Medicare: A historical perspective
The Medicare program came into being in 1965, but the road to get there started much earlier in the 1940’s. This Huffington Post article by contributor Kathleen Weldon looks back over the history of Medicare and how it went from…
When you apply for benefits has a big impact on what you get
For many approaching retirement, one of their biggest decisions will be when to start collecting their Social Security benefits, and when those benefits start will determine how much your monthly payment will be. Social Security’s “full retirement age” is the…
Is Social Security selling “longevity insurance”?
Far too many people start their Social Security benefit as soon as they’re eligible at 62 years of age, but are they hurting themselves in the long run? Though many, including Social Security employees, will tell you that the program…
Working longer can mean a much better retirement
With steadily increasing longevity now resulting in as much as several decades in retirement, working a little bit longer can have a significantly positive impact on your retirement. From continued employee benefits, to fatter nest eggs and larger Social Security checks,…
Social Security’s “full retirement age” is now going up
You may have already heard that Social Security’s full retirement age – the age at which you get 100% of the benefit you’ve earned – is already going up for those now aging into their Social Security years. What that…
When should you apply for Social Security? Some thoughts from the SSA
It’s the age-old question we get as Social Security Advisors – “When should I start Social Security”. The answer is always “It depends”, because this is a very personal decision that should take into account your financial circumstances, your health…
Average Social Security Benefits Examined
When to claim Social Security benefits is one of the most frequently-asked questions posed by folks approaching age 62. And it isn’t an easy question to answer, due to the personal variables that come in to play. Still, it can…
The Average Cost of Retirement? It Might Surprise you!
A new study from Merrill Lynch and Age Wave suggests that the average cost of retirement is closing in on three quarters of a million dollars, far more than the average cost of a home or other major life investments,…
Test Yourself on Social Security Basics
While the overall Social Security program can be fairly complex, especially when dealing with issues like spousal benefits, family maximums, and the like, there are a few basics everyone approaching the point where filing for benefits is on the horizon…
Watch Out for Fraud…It’s That Time Again!
Tax season and fraud season seem to go hand-in-hand. With the flurry of financial records in the air, it’s also the season that calls for heightened diligence in protecting yourself from the ravages of dishonesty that plague us these days.…