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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…
2015 is already the year of the health-care hack — and it’s only going to get worse.
Last year, the fallout from a string of breaches at major retailers like Target and Home Depot had consumers on edge. But 2015 is shaping up to be the year consumers should be taking a closer look at who is guarding their…
Are You Financially Ready for Retirement?
Researchers and others say only half of households in the USA are financially prepared for retirement. The other half, not so much. Other research, however, shows that only one in 10 households — if you factor in less spending after your…
Pensions Outside U.S.: Lessons For Social Security
….According to Michael Tanner of the libertarian Cato Institute, 32 countries have turned to partial or full privatization of their Social Security-like systems. The U.S. isn’t one of them. After his re-election in 2004, President Bush pushed for changes that would’ve…
Paralyzed Veterans of America Responds to House Budget’s Assault on Social Security
The budget plan recently announced by the leadership of the House of Representatives seeks to place all the responsibility for deficit reduction and fiscal responsibility on the backs of low-income Americans, seniors and people with disabilities—many of whom have served…
5 Things To Consider Before Retiring Early
You’ve had enough of the crazy commute, lots of hours and the endless to-dos, and dream of an early retirement? We hear you. But while stories of people retiring years ahead of 65 make it seem easy, it’s a decision…
Don’t Let Obama Proposals Sidetrack Financial Planning
The White House has issued a flurry of proposals since early 2014, many aimed at scaling back provisions that benefit those with higher incomes and greater wealth. At stake are some of the smartest financial strategies available, such as saving…