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Smart Benefits: Healthcare Is A-Changing
According to industry expert Robert Laszewski, of Health Policy and Strategy Associates in Washington D.C., the healthcare market is in the midst of an historic shift. And it will change the business of healthcare in this country. During his presentation last…
Medicare Part B premiums in 2014
As announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) last October, the standard 2014 Medicare Part B premium remained unchanged from the 2013 amount of $104.90 per month. Part B covers physicians’ services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services,…
Retirement Planning: The Benefits of Working Longer
Daryl Owens has experienced more curveballs in the past decade than many people face in a lifetime. A New Orleans native, she lost her home and all her possessions in 2005 to Hurricane Katrina. With most of the hospitals in…
Social Security Programs Throughout the World
Social Security Programs Throughout the World highlights the principal features of social security programs in more than 170 countries. One of four regional volumes is issued every six months. This publication is the product of a cooperative effort between the US Social…
Hispanics face more retirement challenges
A new study shows Hispanic families across the country are challenged by a number of factors that make it difficult for them to prepare for long-term financial security. The study, prepared for Prudential Financial, found twice as many Hispanic Americans as the…
Get With The Plan: Newly retired Monmouth County couple wonder if they will outlast their money
Gene and Shannon are both 65, and they’ve been retired for more than three years. They’re concerned that they don’t have enough monthly income to cover their living expenses. They recently pulled out $25,000 from a 401(k) plan to buy a…
You can obtain financial help, tax breaks while caring for parents
If you’re paying your parents’ bills, don’t overlook these sources of money and tax breaks. • Medicaid. Medicare provides only limited coverage for skilled nursing or rehabilitation services after a hospital stay. It doesn’t cover custodial care, such as help with…
Annual U.S. Healthcare Spending Hits $3.8 Trillion
The last time I wrote this headline was in 2012 and the amount was $3 trillion (here). To arrive at that figure in 2012 I added the Sustainable Growth Rate deficit (accrued over 10 years) to our National Healthcare Expenditure.…
Saver’s Credit may help you save more for retirement
According to the IRS certain workers that are saving for retirement may be able to earn a special tax credit — the saver’s credit. The saver’s credit, also known as the retirement savings contribution credit, may help offset part of…
Social Security: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Whether you are married, divorced or are a surviving spouse, when and how you take your benefits can dramatically impact your bottom line. In a new report issued by Prudential Financial, it was revealed that many Americans are missing out…