Latest News
Budget deficit will drop to $583 billion
The White House said Friday that the federal government’s budget deficit will drop to $583 billion this year, the lowest level of President Barack Obama’s tenure. Last year’s deficit was $680 billion. The latest update from the White House budge…
The wrong folks get billions in tax dollars
A government watchdog agency said an estimated $106 billion in payments were made in error last year: meaning they were the wrong amount, went to the wrong person or lacked sufficient documentation. These payments include tax refunds, unemployment benefits, Social Security benefits, and…
Estimating Retirement Medical Expenses
The ability to handle lifetime medical expenses is the key to a financially sustainable retirement, according to new studies such as one by the Employee Benefits Research Institute. Yet, medical expenses also are the wild card in retirement finance, because…
Social Security Tips for Same-Sex Couples
The Social Security Administration now recognizes and is able to pay out benefits to members of same-sex married couples. This policy change is a result of the June 2013 Supreme Court decision that section three of the Defense of Marriage…
Thousands with disabilities denied right to vote in California, group says
LOS ANGELES — At a time when election officials are struggling to convince more Americans to vote, advocates for the disabled say thousands of people with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and other intellectual or developmental disabilities have been systematically…
Going Back to Work? Time for a New Budget
There are plenty of reasons to get back to work after time off – financial stability, a feeling of empowerment, utilization of your skills, etc. While finding the motivator may be easy, returning to full or even part-time employment after an…
Medicare providers complain of duplicative audits
Health care companies say they’re losing millions of dollars that are tied up in appeals because of increasing numbers of Medicare audits. But the rise in the often duplicative audits has failed to reduce Medicare fraud, according to a report…
Big demand from advisers for Social Security claiming tools, training
Although most financial advisers provide near-retirees with some guidance on Social Security claiming decisions, many need to increase their knowledge and skills in this increasingly important area, according to a new study released Monday by Practical Perspectives and GDC Research. The…
Bridging the disability insurance gap
For most people, the prospect of losing income due to injury or disability is a frightening one, but in reality, few believe it is a challenge they will ever personally face. Only 28 percent of employees feel confident in their…
Veterans with disability claims will get free legal help in ABA pilot program with VA
The ABA is cooperating with the Department of Veterans Affairs in a pilot program to provide free legal representation to vets with pending disability claims. The Veterans’ Claims Assistance Network, known as ABA VCAN, is getting underway with pilot sites in…