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How big a “nest egg” do you need to retire comfortably?
As we approach mid-life, many wonder how much we should have squirreled away when it comes time to hang up our working clothes for good. After all, planning for retirement is likely on almost everyone’s mind in their 40s and…
Will Social Security be an Issue in the Upcoming Midterm Elections?
Well, of course it will, as so eloquently expressed in this Newsweek article by Suzanne Blake. The article starts out by discussing a recent endorsement by Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek for for raising the Social Security Taxable Maximum. But…
Scam Alert: Beware of SS Direct Deposit Offers with Prizes
It’s a dangerous online world we live in these days, with many scammers seeking to get at your Social Security benefits. The Inspector General (IG) of Social Security has issued a “Scam Alert” which warns of nefarious characters attempting to…
Don’t Laminate your Social Security Card
For many, their Social Security card is viewed as a valuable document, and they typically keep it safe. The Social Security Administration (SSA) suggests that you not carry your SS card in your wallet, but rather just memorize your Social…
Social Security rules changing in 2027
As the old saying goes, “the only thing constant in this world is change.” And we can see that in almost everything - as time marches on, the world seems to change around us. So, as we look forward to…
Medicare Costs Increasing in 2027
As we are all so acutely aware, healthcare costs for retirees have been going up for years, and it looks like 2027 will be no exception! As discussed in this Investopedia article by Elizabeth Guevara, Medicare Part B monthly premiums…
Medicare “Open Enrollment” - Take the opportunity to check your coverage!
On October 15th, the annual Medicare “Open Enrollment” period begins and lasts until December 7th, a window during which you have the opportunity to review and, if needed, change your healthcare options. Unfortunately, far too many Americans allow this time…
COLA will probably be a let-down for most seniors on Social Security
As we move into the fall months each year, we all look forward to finding out how much of a Social Security raise we will get next year. Each year in mid-October, the Social Security Administration announces next year’s Cost…
Reasons not to claim Social Security at 62
Although you have an 8 year window to claim those Social Security benefits you’ve worked your whole life for, age 62 is the age at which the most people claim. Understandable, since most have worked for decades contributing to a…
Fundamental Changes to Retirement Planning by the Creator of the Popular “4%” Rule
Most of us who plan for retirement have heard of the “4% rule” - that is, if you limit your withdrawals to 4% of your investment portfolio annually, it should last you a lifetime (that’s a simplified description, but fairly…