Headlines
GAO: $1.3 billion in ‘improper’ federal disability payments
An upcoming GAO report obtained by NBC News says the federal government may have paid $1.29 billion in Social Security disability benefits to 36,000 people who had too much income from work to qualify. At least one recipient collected a potential…
Think Social Security is guaranteed?
Good financial planners use sophisticated computer programs to help us set retirement savings goals. They input dozens of variables based on assumptions about how the world works, and out pops a number telling us how much we should save during…
Obamacare’s data hub insurance network is completed
Obama administration officials, facing criticism they are behind schedule in implementing the president’s health-care law, said Tuesday they have finished a major piece of the technology that will help millions of Americans sign up for insurance this fall. Federal health officials…
Congress returns with long to-do list, short timetable
WASHINGTON – Congress returns Monday with 39 legislative days scheduled before the end of the year to debate the most consequential foreign policy vote under President Obama, resolve pressing budget deadlines and determine whether an immigration overhaul has a fighting…
The incredible importance of Social Security
It’s difficult to overstate the importance of Social Security. I don’t say this as a blind loyalist of our largest social program. I’m awestruck by how large it looms for all but the wealthiest Americans. Without this program, America as we…
Don’t Confuse Medicare With Obamacare
October is an important medical-insurance sign-up month for millions of Americans, both under and over 65 years old. The annual Medicare open-enrollment period, running from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, overlaps this year with the initial registration for the Health Insurance…
Don’t Leave Your Spouse In The Money Lurch
It’s not a topic couples generally want to think about, let alone talk about, but the fact is: Barring an unusual accident, one spouse will die before the other. That fact poses a big challenge for your retirement-income plans. And…
The Health Law’s Individual Mandate: What Is It?
The federal health law’s individual mandate, one of the key building blocks of the insurance overhaul, remains controversial as the October start date approaches for enrolling in new online marketplaces. Individuals who don’t get insurance through work will shop for…
Congress Returns from Recess to Face Fiscal Deadlines
Congress returns from its August recess facing two imminent deadlines. First, Congress has appropriated funds to keep the federal government operating only through September 30, 2013. If Congress does not appropriate additional funds during September, on October 1 the federal…
Do Not Invest Social Security Benefits, Expert Says
Should a person take Social Security earlier, rather than later, and invest the proceeds in the hopes of ending up with more money during retirement?The answer is no, according to Social Security expert William Meyer. It’s a question that Meyer and…