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Social Security: Who’s In and Who’s Out
Every time I write a column about various offsets that impact Social Security benefits payable to folks who spend the bulk of their working lives in jobs not covered by Social Security, as I did about a month ago, I…
Check in with Social Security before traveling outside the U.S.
Mark Twain once advised people to “Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Americans today have taken that advice to heart, and are visiting places around the globe – often for vacations, and sometimes to relocate in another…
Medicare Spending: Urgent Changes Needed for Fiscal Health
At first glance, there appears to be a reduction in the Medicare spending. Year-over-year comparisons in Medicare spending for October and November fiscal years (or, FY) 2013 and 2014 indicate a decline in spending for FY 2014. Preliminary spending declined by 3…
Social Security Today by Monica Ochoa
Perfect Recipe For Retirement! Every family has its holiday dinner traditions. If you plan poorly and wait to throw the bird in the oven at the last minute, you will end up with a turkey of a dish. The same can…
5 Essential Retirement Planning Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss
Some deadlines come and go without much notice. But other deadlines are critical to your financial well-being. We’ve got five retirement planning reminders you shouldn’t miss. Pull out your pocket calendar and get ready to scribble in some notes. Read more……
Why Social Security for Veterans Needs a Second Look
In the United States, Americans celebrate Veteran’s Day every November. During this time, people honor those who have served the country and defended the freedoms so many Americans enjoy. Now, many are asking for a second look to be given…
Retirement Should Be a Transition, Not a Hard Stop
Retirement can be one of the most significant and challenging life changes. What is initially gained in terms of leisure time and reduced stress can be offset by the loss of daily routines, socialization and purpose. Read more… Notice:…
Impact of budgetary hit to federal retirement weighed
Requiring federal employees to pay more toward their retirement benefits would have an uncertain effect on recruitment of new workers but likely would spur some current employees to leave earlier than they would have otherwise, according to a recent analysis…
There’s a difference between benefits and entitlements
While I enjoyed reading Ed Conant’s op-ed piece “Democrats should start entitlement reform with Social Security Fix” (Nov. 17), I find his use of the term “entitlement” (although technically correct) rather than “benefit” for Social Security problematic. Visit www.ssa.gov and you will…
Advice for People Retiring in 2014
The oldest baby boomers will turn 68 in 2014. Some boomers are already retired, and many others will join them in the coming year. Here are some tips for people planning to retire in 2014: Read more… Notice: The…