Latest News
The truth: Government won’t shut down _ but default could delay benefit checks, troops’ wages
Here’s the truth about a government “shutdown.” The government doesn’t shut down. So the world won’t end if a dysfunctional Washington can’t find a way to pass a funding bill before the new budget year begins on Oct. 1. Social Security…
THIS COULD EXPAND SOCIAL SECURITY
Representative Linda Sanchez (D-CA) has just introduced a bill in the House that would expand Social Security benefits. HR 3118 is the House version of a Senate bill introduced by Iowa’s own Senator Tom Harkin. Read more. Notice: The…
How to Save Yourself From 3 Looming Retirement ‘Train Wrecks’
In a recent Morningstar interview, a noted investor warned that “the retirement system in the United States … is facing three train wrecks, all of which have to be fixed.” That chilling admonition came from John Bogle, founder of The Vanguard…
The Next Baby Boomer Trend: Survey Reveals Retirees Want Social Security Advice
As baby boomers reach retirement age, more want Social Security claiming advice and expect their financial planners to analyze the best Social Security strategies, according to a new survey by Social Security Timing in partnership with Qualtrics. “This shift in consumer demand clearly will…
Following DOMA Ruling, Social Security Administration Begins Processing Applications for Same-Sex Couples
The recent Supreme Court ruling striking down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) will have widespread effects on many federal programs. It may take quite some time for the ruling to be fully implemented into law. But…
Social Security Column: Spouses have a significant benefit
Social Security can be an important financial asset for married couples when the time comes to apply for retirement benefits. In many cases, one spouse may have earned significantly more than the other, or have worked for a longer span…
Among adults in California, those with Medicaid coverage have highest increase in emergency department visits
“Emergency department (ED) use has been affected by insurance patterns over time and will likely be further affected by expansions of coverage from health care reform.” Uninsured patients are often thought of as high and frequently inappropriate ED users, but…
Financial Planning Tip: Social Security claiming strategies that can be worth thousands to retirees
You read that correctly. It’s no gimmick. There are several ways for retirees to potentially add thousands of extra dollars to their annual income by doing some things and not others. It all hinges around what you do when you…
A Rich Retirement: How to get the biggest Social Security check
According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, only two-thirds of Americans have saved for retirement and most have saved less than $25,000. The average retiree depends on Social Security for 70 percent of his or her income. Unfortunately, Social Security just…
Medicare Season Fast Approaches On Oct. 15
Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, just like last year. But there may be a little more confusion this year. That’s because we’ll also be hearing about open enrollment for the new Health Insurance Marketplaces. They are part…