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In transition to independent living, the ‘dignity of risk’ for the mentally ill
On his 26th morning of independence, Kelvin Cook made a huge pot of coffee and ate oatmeal off a plate. His Social Security check had not arrived and he was down to $5. He had a cellphone plugged into a…
Grandma Scam, IRS calls on worst of 2014 list
It’s time for the annual roundup of the top scams and consumer ripoffs of 2014. Here they are: •IRS Calls – If you didn’t get one of these calls, consider yourself lucky. These scammers would threaten to take you to…
12 Ways to Survive a Forced Early Retirement
When most workers plan for retirement, they expect to work until their full retirement age, which is 66 or 67 for people born after 1942, or even longer. But some workers find themselves out of a job at an age…
If you adopt some of these New Year’s resolutions, your financial life will be better
Some things never change, including most of these recommendations I make every year. Your financial life will be easier in 2015 if you make and keep some of these New Year’s resolutions: Don’t buy something on credit unless you know…
New savings options available for Tennesseans with disabilities
A bill aimed at promoting financial stability for individuals with disabilities awaits the president’s signature after winning approval by the U.S. Senate. The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act allows people with disabilities to save money without jeopardizing their eligibility for Social Security…
Roth IRA: How a well-timed conversion could yield sweet tax savings for retirees
If you are a retiree with a traditional 401(k) or IRA, there may be a window of opportunity for you to convert a significant portion to a Roth IRA tax-free. You can take advantage of this Roth IRA conversion if you’re not…
Coburn Introduces Bill to Protect and Strengthen the Social Security Disability Insurance Program
The disability trust fund will be completely exhausted in less than two years, according to the Social Security Board of Trustees. When this happens, the more than 11 million Americans receiving disability benefits will face immediate cuts of nearly 20…
Teacher with Disability Is Role Model for Students
“I’ve been in a wheelchair all my life, and I don’t let it stop me from doing anything,” Carolyn Diaz says. Truer words have never been spoken. Carolyn has Larsen’s Syndrome, an inherited condition that affects the development and function…
Tax and social security items for consideration before 2015
There are many moves that can be implemented in 2014 to reduce taxes, expenses or, for that matter, payments to Medicare etc. Tax planning between ages of 60 and 70.5 Many people retire around the age of 60 to 62,…
House panel blasts disability program claim review process
Congressional aides say an over-emphasis on clearing up Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program appeal backlogs is hurting the solvency of the program. The aides — part of the staff at the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee — argue…