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Wealth Distribution in the Coming Decades
Baby Boomers are slated to lose their dominant share in wealth distribution in the next 20 years to their children. By 2030 it is estimated that Millennials and Generation X will control half of America’s wealth, compared to the 18%…
Social Security Basics
One of the biggest problems with the Social Security System is the many people that know next to nothing about it. It is very important to at least have the basics down if you are paying in to and plan…
Why You Shouldn’t Claim Benefits too Early
You are able to start claiming Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but starting so early comes with it’s disadvantages. By delaying until a later age you can rack up higher benefits both in monthly payouts and overall…
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…