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Seven Essential Things You Need to Know About Social Security
As more baby boomers reach retirement age, they’re realizing the valuable role Social Security will play as a source of lifetime income. Claiming Social Security benefits can be far more complex than you may realize. Here are seven essential things…
Here’s When Most People Are Retiring. Should You Do the Same?
A recent survey from Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research found that the average retirement age is now 62 for women and 64 for men. That has some interesting implications, and it can have each of us pondering our own…
Preserving existing pensions has to be part of reform: Tony May
Switch Pennsylvania teachers and public employees from traditional “defined benefit” pension plans to 401(k)-style “defined contribution” plans, say conservatives, “because no one in the private sector has old fashioned pensions anymore.” This, they add, will solve Pennsylvania’s pension problems once…
US Sen. Whitehouse to discuss Social Security benefits
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is holding a roundtable discussion on Social Security disability benefits. Whitehouse will be joined Monday by Congressman Jim Langevin, state Sen.Donna Nesselbush, and representatives of the Social Security Administration and disability groups. Read more… Notice: The “Read…
Should A Decrease in Social Security Benefits Stop You From Taking Them Early?
The vast majority of Americans take Social Security before they reach full retirement age. By doing so, they agree to accept smaller Social Security payments for the rest of their lives. Yet many policymakers think that people would be better…
A woman’s guide to Social Security
S ixty percent of people receiving Social Security are women, and the Social Security Administration has put together information that is specific to women. Here are a few things from its booklet, “What Every Woman Should Know”: Women who haven’t worked…
Important tax information about providing your Social Security number
Under the federal health reform law, individuals must have health insurance called minimum essential coverage. Your UnitedHealthcare plan is minimum essential coverage. We must report this information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To report, we need Social Security numbers…
Getting a start on saving for retirement
When you don’t have much to spare, saving for retirement can easily take a back seat to your bills. But it’s important to set aside at least a small amount each month to take advantage of the power of compounding. “Simply…
Poll: Spend more, tax less, legalize pot
Americans want lower taxes and more government spending both at once, although their support for spending more tax dollars on health care has dropped dramatically. They’re likelier than ever to not feel connected to any particular religion, but no less…
Permanent disability can be financially catastrophic
I include in my columns a lot of information about the loss of life and the repercussions that remain for those left behind. The emotional loss can be overwhelming for a family. And the financial ramifications resulting from the loss…