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Retirement: How women can generate income for life
Many women have a “quiet fear” that they won’t have enough money for retirement, but they can take several steps to make sure that doesn’t happen. “The key is to continue earning throughout retirement and to find ways to create income…
More Than 25 Percent of Investors Starting Saving for Retirement before Turning 25
One out of four investors in the U.S. began saving for retirement before turning 25, according to a recent Gallup survey. Seven percent of them started before turning 20. This data comes from the Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index,…
For help, first call 211
First Call for Help expands services in seven county region that includes Aitkin “First Call 2-1-1 is your gateway to services and information. Whether you are looking for a list of senior housing options in the area, help with bullying,…
Taking Charge: Senior shouldn’t drop Medicare for Obamacare
Q: I am 69 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. I also have a Medicare supplement insurance plan and a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. I’ve heard so much talk about the Affordable Care…
New Year Brings New Laws Of The Cyber Variety
Thanks to the recent success of hackers and cyber criminals, one state’s new laws are going to focus on your data and how it’s stored. Starting January 1st, companies in California can no longer just maintain personal information. They’ll have…
Monday Money Tip: Making sure tax preparers work for you, not themselves
As taxpayers, we entrust vital personal data to the person preparing our tax returns, including pay stubs, investments, and Social Security numbers. But not all tax-preparers are ethical. To thwart identity thieves and other unscrupulous tax-preparers, the Internal Revenue Service…
Did Social Security always have a COLA?
With the 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2015 about to begin, it is worth noting that many pensions do not have a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) provision. Unlike the inflation protection provided by Social Security retirement, survivors and disability benefits,…
Social Security: Will You Get Your Money’s Worth?
Hundreds of millions of Americans have paid into the Social Security system since it began, and several generations of retirees have counted on Social Security as a major means of financial support during their retired years. Given that everyone who…
Congress provides a hand-up to the disabled community
In a rare display of overwhelming bipartisan support earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 647 — more commonly referred to as the ABLE Act — by a 407-17 vote. The Senate followed suit with a 76-16…
California’s royals of retirement denial
For most Americans, it’s tempting to live in denial or outright fantasyland when it comes to paying for retirement. That’s because doing the math evokes less-pleasant emotions like fear, anger or hopelessness. Social Security, which replaces just 40 percent of…