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Can You Pass this Test on Social Security?
How well do you know Social Security? Do you know the answer to this sample question: Married couples can time the collection of their Social Security benefits to boost retirement income and maximize survivor benefits? Take the quiz on Kiplinger…
A majority of workers think Social Security won’t be there for them. They’re wrong.
A recent survey found that about 77% of workers think that Social Security won’t be there for them when they retire – but they’re wrong. Even with all the publicity surrounding depletion of the Trust Fund in about 17 years,…
Sometimes it makes sense to take Social Security early
Most financial planners recommend waiting to start Social Security benefits because doing so increases your benefit amount, especially if you wait until you are 70. But there are good reasons why it’s sometimes smarter to take your benefits early, as this…
Most Advisors Recommend Delaying Benefits
Some advisors refer to Social Security as the best annuity being offered. Many entering retirement look to annuities to ensure that they have a steady income over the course of the rest of their life, but at the same time…
The Impact of Financial Decisions on Your Retirement
Much has been written about the long-term effects of decisions made early in one’s Social Security program, and many of the warnings center on filing early instead of waiting to full retirement age (or beyond). But there are some other…
Important Considerations for Those Approaching Early Retirement Age
If you’re turning age 62–the earliest age to draw Social Security benefits–soon, there are some key things you need to know. Beginning with the reduction you’ll see in early benefits vs. full retirement age benefits to the impact on spousal benefits…
Taking a Look at The Landscape–Potential Areas of Change in 2017
It’s pretty early in the forecasting cycle–in fact, the new administration is still over a month away from taking office–but it’s time to start thinking about what could happen in the year ahead. Morningstar contributor Mark Miller offers conjecture on…
Medicare facts every baby boomer should know
Considering that about 10,000 baby boomers become eligible for Medicare every day, it’s important to know the facts about this healthcare program that more than 56 million Americans rely on for coverage. This article by Brian Feroldi appears at madison.com and…
Don’t have an employer-sponsored 401(k)? Other options are available.
A recent study has shown that employees with access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan have saved significantly for their retirement in those plans. However, that same study concluded that over 40% of American workers don’t have access to such a plan…
Working in Retirement: is it Worth it?
In a working paper entitled “Is Uncle Sam Inducing the Elderly to Retire” published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, a team that includes University of California, Berkeley economist and law professors and other fellow researchers suggests that future…