Latest News
Early withdrawals from retirement account chip away at savings
The deadline for contributing to an individual retirement account for 2014 is Wednesday. Write the check, and you’ll be taking a step toward setting up a secure retirement. At least that’s the idea. But a recent study from the Center for…
Labor Department proposes new standards for brokers advising retirement savers
Regulators proposed new rules on Tuesday that would raise the standards for investment advice given to retirement savers. The proposal, which was backed by President Obama in February, would require brokers who recommend investments for retirement accounts to put their client’s interests ahead…
Know the rules of Social Security
This past weekend at the Mon Valley Home Show, I had the opportunity to speak to many of the readers of this column. I am happy to know that so many of you enjoy our discussions of important financial issues. Some…
Can You Retire on Just Social Security?
Social Security provides a decent foundation for most Americans’ retirement plans, but like any foundation, it doesn’t provide much in the way of overhead coverage. According to the Social Security Administration, the typical retiree receives about 40% of his or…
How Working Affects Your Social Security Benefits
If you are under full retirement age (FRA), there is a limit to what you can earn before some or all of your benefits are withheld. This is true whether you are receiving Social Security retirement or a survivor benefit.…
Cutting Social Security Disability Insurance Won’t Help Anyone Go Back to Work
Policymakers and elected officials on both sides of the aisle have long shared the goal of helping people with disabilities work. However, recent proposals to cut Social Security Disability Insurance for beneficiaries who attempt to return to work represent a…
Social Security Expansion Advocates Target Presidential Candidates
As millions of Americans prepare this year for one of the biggest milestones in their lives – retirement – the program that they have come to most depend on in retirement its celebrating its own milestone. The Social Security program…
How To Protect Your Social Security Benefits From Gov. Christie
What are you going to do about Gov. Chris Christie’s plan to balance the budget by confiscating your Social Security account? Don’t shrug it off as politically impossible. This kind of trouble has been brewing for a long time, and…
Social Security closes claiming loophole for people with disabilities
If you see something, say something. We have all grown accustomed to that public safety announcement in airports, train stations and subways warning us to speak up if something seems amiss in our post-9/11 society. I want to thank Boston University…
Why Are States Leaving Billions in Retiree Income on the Table?
Many elderly can afford to pay more in taxes. And with a growing number of needy seniors to support, states can’t afford to pass up that revenue. Illinois is the national poster child for state budget messes. My home state…