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Social Security and the Veteran Community
The month of May features many articles and happenings related to Veterans and their families, especially during the build-up to Memorial Day. What’s often overlooked, though, is the Social Security program’s range of services and support mechanisms available to those…
Setting the Record Straight on Social Security’s Mortality
One of the more prominent and durable myths about Social Security is the persistent proclamation of the program’s trajectory toward disappearance, with many pundits even setting a timeline for this death march. You’ve probably seen the headlines (e.g., “Social Security…
On Becoming Financially Ready for Retirement–Some Thoughts on Money
Life comes at you pretty fast, and the older we get, the more that becomes obvious. And it becomes even more obvious when one sees the retirement milestone coming at a fast pace. If you don’t have a plan in…
Retirement Planning 101: A Look at Some Basics
As the article says at the outset, it’s never too early or too late to plan for your retirement. The simple fact is that the planning must start somewhere, and this post by the good folks at L’Observateur appearing on…
Next COLA Could be 3% or Less
After a record 8.7% cost of living adjustment (COLA) effective January 2023, eyes are beginning to turn to predicting the next COLA. Brian O’Connor notes beneficiaries must temper expectations now. Inflation is coming down as measured in the Consumer Price…
Retirement safety net or a ticking fiscal time bomb?
Jim Blankenship notes the answer isn’t so simple as to whether Social Security is a retirement safety net or fiscal time bomb. He points out the demographic challenges that will necessitate 20% or greater across the board cuts in a…
What Experts Say on Debt Ceiling & Social Security
Lorie Konish of CNBC explains the current state of affairs when it comes to the debt ceiling. The House passed an increase in the debt ceiling this week coupled with discretionary spending cuts. It is unlikely to even get a…
Testimony on Social Security’s Finances
Phillip Swagel, Director of the Congressional Budget Office, testified on April 26th about his agency’s projections of Social Security’s finances before the House Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Social Security. Swagel noted the significant financial challenges facing the program.…
Can You Comfortably Retire Without Social Security?
Kailey Hagen notes those hoping to retire without Social Security will probably need to save $1 million or more on their own. Making monthly retirement contributions and sticking to that schedule is key to achieving that goal. But Hagen states…
Avoid this Social Security Blunder
Maurie Backman notes many seniors end up relying heavily on Social Security. But far too many overestimate the buying power those benefits provide and then often regret not planning before taking their monthly check. Backman notes Social Security’s roughly 40%…