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Decision Time Approaching for those on Medicare
If you haven’t noticed from the up-tick in TV commercials about Medicare coverage, take notice here – the Medicare Annual Election Period, sometimes called Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, is just a couple short weeks away, starting on October 15th. This…
A Woman’s View of Spouse Benefits
It’s absolutely true that women have made significant strides in the American workplace, and are now often the primary breadwinner in the family. But historically, woman have also traditionally faced a unique dilemma with Social Security due to the so-called…
Is Social Security Reform Even Possible?
Much as been written recently about the importance of reforming America’s most important retirement program – Social Security. Hyperbolic articles are published in newspapers and magazines almost daily, TV commentators regularly espouse the need for change, and blogs and websites…
The Pros and Cons of Early Retirement
Who among us hasn’t fantasized about an early retirement – perhaps in our 40s or 50s – to claim our share of the American dream? It’s certainly a pleasant thought, but one which is probably not possible for most, and…
About Deciding When to Claim Social Security
Deciding when you should claim Social Security can be a perplexing dilemma. Understanding all of the nuances associated with that decision is an elusive goal – so much so that many are tempted to simply throw up their hands and…
A Sobering View of the Expected Big COLA Increase
Some pundits are forecasting a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) upwards of 11% for 2023. Realistically, however, a study of this year’s third quarter inflation rate so far suggests a more moderate, but nevertheless historic, increase to your monthly Social…
Understanding the “my Social Security” World
During the pandemic-induced office shutdowns at the Social Security Administration (SSA), and even now, individuals needing to access the information maintained by SSA were advised to create a “my Social Security” account to facilitate they’re ability to obtain information maintained…
Understanding Survivor Benefits
The rules associated with benefits available for widows and widowers can be relatively complex, so it’s important that your retirement financial plans consider them carefully. In a post today on yaktrinews.com, The Motley Fool’s Dan Caplinger provides an explanation of…
Managing the Urge to Retire Early in the Face of Incentives to do the Opposite
If you’ve been actively monitoring media information on retirement planning, and particularly if you’re fighting the urge to jump out of the workforce and into retirement, you’re probably at least a bit torn when you consider the incentives to remain…
An Interesting Twist on COLA
The hysterical projections of a 2023 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) north of 10% have died out in the face of more realistic news from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Consequently, seniors who were anticipating a larger bump are now anticipating an…