Latest News
How Does the U.S. Compare Globally on Retirement Ages?
The standard U.S. full retirement age (FRA), as most people know, was 65 until the steps were taken in 1983 to deal with a funding crisis. The FRA was changed then to a phasing-in schedule for those born in 1938…
Re-thinking Your Initial Claiming Decision–Two Available Options
Claiming Social Security benefits before full retirement age remains statistically more popular and, even more significant, very few new claimants wait to age 70 to obtain maximum monthly payouts. If you are in either of these two categories, it’s important…
Working After Filing for Benefits–Some Important Things to Know
Based on the many workforce reports continually surfacing, it’s no surprise that the number of Americans rejoining–or staying in–the labor force after drawing their earned Social Security benefits is increasing. In fact, as noted in a Kiplinger.com post by David…
You Cannot Live on Social Security Alone
The disparity is huge – the maximum Social Security benefit for 2024 is $4,873, while the minimum 2024 SS benefit is a mere $50.90. And it sure would be a lot easier to live on the higher amount than the…
Overpayments: A Continuing Social Security Controversy
It has been widely reported that Social Security is trying to recover billions in overpaid benefits. Indeed Congressional hearings have been held with Congress drilling Social Security on the processed being used and, especially, the reasons that some benefits are…
Social Security: The power of delaying
In simplistic terms, the earlier you claim Social Security the smaller your benefit will be; the longer you wait to claim the higher your monthly payment. Reduced SS retirement benefits can be claimed as early as age 62, and your…
Social Security: How Much Will You Get?
Social Security is, inarguably, America’s most important retirement program. You work your whole lifetime contributing to the program, in return for a guaranteed income when your working days are over. And your SS retirement benefit lasts for the rest of…
The Survey Says: Save More for Retirement!
Surveys have become the standard way to determine how different groups view specific topics. As reported in this article, a recent survey found that a large majority of retirees regret they didn’t save more for their so-called “golden years.” Surprising?…
Hope for the Best; Plan for the Worst
According to a recent survey, 41% of older Americans believe that Social Security won’t exist in its current form for their entire retirement. Probably not an unusual statistic, considering the media attention lately given to Social Security looming financial issue.…
Surprise! Medicare doesn’t include Dental (and other) Coverage
The Medicare world can be a tough one to navigate, with so many different options available. There’s “original Medicare,” which is Part A (hospitalization coverage) and Part B (coverage for outpatient services). Original Medicare doesn’t provide dental or vision coverage,…