Latest News
Recently-enacted Claiming Rules May Have a Long-term Negative Impact for Women
Given their relatively longer lifespan, the likelihood that they have started drawing benefits early, and the frequency of divorce, it is possible that women may be adversely affected by the recent changes to Social Security claiming rules. Financial planner Mary Beth…
Pros and Cons of Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts are great for saving money, but there are two downside factors that need to be considered. The first is the risk of forfeiting unused funds, and the second (and often overlooked) factor is that shielding income in…
Sharing Information About Social Security
Stephanie Holland, Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan, shares thoughts on the benefits of creating a Social Security account prior to retirement. Her article, published today on www.shorelinemedia.net, can be accessed here… Notice: The link provided…
Some Advice for Younger Workers
In an article posted on The Christian Science Monitor, Nerd Wallet’s Joe Allaria offers some strong advice for today’s younger workers…those in the late-Generation and Millennial categories: Start saving now! He stresses the importance of having a plan and sticking…
Who’s Paying HIgher Medicare Premiums in 2016?
U.S. News & World Report’s senior editor for Retirement, Emily Brandon, takes a look at the Medicare Part B premiums to be paid in 2016 by several groups, and reports on the cost-sharing increase facing all Medicare beneficiaries. Read the article…
Baby Boomers and Debt – Projections for the Future
Many Baby Boomers approach retirement with assets–on paper, anyway–that appear to set the stage for smooth passage in their leisure years. Much of this asset base, though, is non-liquid, and could potentially lead to a cash shortage at some point.…
Bernie Sanders Goes on the Defensive on “Democratic Socialism” Issue
In a Reuters article titled “White House candidate Sanders defends ‘democratic socialism’ label” posted today by John Whitesides, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders’ philosophy of “Democratic Socialism” is explained. In a recent campaign speech, Sanders invoked memories of Franklin Roosevelt’s Depression-era policies…
Coming Soon – Online Social Security Card Replacement!
At long last, it looks like you’ll soon be able to request a replacement Social Security card online. Social Security Security Administration’s Nancy Berryhill, deputy commissioner for operations, reported that the new process is set to begin rolling out in Wisconsin…
Making the Most of Your Benefits
There are many things you can do to stretch your Social Security income to its maximum that are fairly simple things to do. Most of it is just knowing that the option is available for you should you decide to…
New Social Security Filing Strategies
With the recent budget bill eliminating common filing strategies, many retirees are left wondering how best to maximize their benefits under the new rules. The good news for some is that they are grandfathered in under the old rules as…