Headlines
The WEP/GPO Debate Rages On
Congress has been under considerable pressure lately over two Social Security provisions which have, for decades, irked some retirees from public service. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) affect those who have a federal, state,…
Is there an ideal age to claim Social Security?
Is there an ideal age to claim Social Security? Well, recent research on this topic suggests that age 70 is the best age in most circumstances but, curiously, that is not the age at which most beneficiaries actually claimed. A…
About Increasing Social Security’s Full Retirement Age
With Trust Fund depletion looming on Social Security’s financial horizon, there is no shortage of ideas for resolving the program’s financial woes to avoid a potential across-the-board cut in everyone’s benefit in less than a decade. Included in most discussions…
When Should You Claim Social Security?
It’s the question our AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service is most frequently asked – “When should I claim my Social Security benefits?” And the underlying hidden inquiry is “how can I maximize my Social Security benefit?” Truth is, there…
Retirement savings crisis
Is there a retirement savings crisis in America? Yes; according to a recent survey, over three-fourths of Americans agree that there is a retirement savings crisis. Over half of the respondents cited their concerns that they cannot achieve financial security…
Who pays the most and least in taxes
Does the average American pay too much in taxes? A recent poll from AP-NORC found “only about 18% of adults correctly identified the group facing the highest federal tax burden, which is high-income Americans.” Alex Muresianu, a senior policy analyst…
Retaining older workers
In his annual letter to investors, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink addressed the issue of America’s lack of retirement savings and the aging workforce. Mr. Fink challenged “HR departments to find ways to hire and retain older workers, but also help…
Minimizing your tax bill
One aspect not discussed in detail when saving for retirement is the impact of taxes on your retirement savings. Many retirees may be taxed at 20 to 30 percent when withdrawing from their retirement accounts. Only one-third of respondents of…
Turning 65 this year, you need to start planning
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. population is approaching a landmark sometimes called Peak 65, or silver tsunami, when more than 12,000 people will start turning 65 each day, hitting an estimated total of 4 million for the…
Op-ed: America’s predatory retirement system is trapped in the Stone Age
Sid Mohasseb, an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California, writes in The Hill that, while many Americans celebrate their many freedoms, retirement just isn’t one of them. His main point is summed up with this: “The country’s dual approach…