Latest News
Social Security Begins Paying Claims of Same-Sex Families
Social Security has begun processing claims and awarding payments to the surviving spouses of same-sex marriages in what is the latest change made by the federal government to better reflect a post-DOMA legal landscape. “I am pleased to announce that, effective…
Dem predicts smooth debt-ceiling increase
A high-ranking Senate Democrat predicts a smooth debt-ceiling increase in early 2014.Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that Republicans “learned their lesson” with the government shutdown in October and will not play politics with raising the nation’s debt ceiling.Schumer told “Meet…
WorkZone: Broaching retirement
There’s nothing wrong with having a workplace discussion with employees to find out where they see themselves in the organization over the next few years. It’s also a good way of raising the issue of retirement with older workers. But employers…
Military Retirement Cuts: Prelude To Coming Social Security Changes
As someone who is constantly researching retirement, I find the recent funding cuts to military retirees very disheartening. Worse yet, I see this as a move to establish ground zero for the testing of changes to Social Security benefits. On Wednesday,…
1 Key Social Security Benefit Working Couples Often Overlook
Social Security has helped millions of families make ends meet during retirement, but there’s still a lot of confusion about Social Security benefits. For instance, many married couples aren’t clear on one essential benefit that’s available to them, mistakenly believing…
Pew: In Deficit Debate, Public Resists Cuts in Entitlements and Aid to Poor
The latest national survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted Dec. 3-8 among 2,001 adults, finds majorities say it is more important to maintain spending on Social Security and Medicare and programs to help the poor than to take steps…
Dollars and sense: Thinking about long-term care coverage
One of the greatest challenges when it comes to planning for retirement is trying to predict future healthcare expenses. Additionally, many people are living longer – well into their 80s or 90s – which makes the need for long-term care…
Developing saving as a habit earlier makes for a happier retirement
For some, retirement is close at hand. For others, it’s years away. Chris Davidson talks with one financial adviser, who gives us some tips about planning for the future. As you plan your retirement, you can check all the financial websites,…
Tax increases make year-end planning important for upper-income households
A year ago, it was difficult for taxpayers to do last-minute tax planning because of uncertainty surrounding expiring tax breaks from the Bush era. Lawmakers were at loggerheads on which, if any, deductions and credits to keep and whether to let…
Get ready for ‘what-ifs’
The future holds many uncertainties, and your retirement is no exception: “What age should I retire?” “How long will I live in retirement?” “When should I start taking Social Security?” “How will rising medical costs affect me?” That’s why planning…