Latest News
The Case for Social Security Expansion
In a post on The National Interest website, technology writer Stephen Silver takes a look at recent thoughts expressed by Social Security Works President Nancy Altman on the need to expand Social Security’s “modest benefits.” As explained by Silver, Ms. Altman cites poll results indicating that “over…
Hedging Your retirement Savings–Some Thoughts
We’re facing a substantial uptick in inflation. The only questions are how far the uptick will go and how long will it exist. No matter what the answer to these questions might be, the fact remains that there will be…
How Do You Compare With Others on the Savings Scale?
The 21st Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey recently noted that the median retirement savings balance for workers of all ages is $93,000. Not bad? Wait…the key words in that sentence are “for workers of all ages,” so before you compare your own situation to that…
Additional Compassionate Allowance Designations Announced
Medicare’s list of Compassionate Allowances conditions has been expanded by 12, according to a post on the Effingham Post website. Compassionate Allowances, of course, are a way to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that, by definition, meet Social Security’s…
“Gig Workers” – Make Sure You Understand the Path You’re Electing
Moving from payroll-based employment to independent contracting has many desirable features, not the least of which is the element of control over when you work and what you work on. But if you’re contemplating a move in this direction, it’s…
Retirement Planning – Sorting Through the Noise
Northstar Financial and Retirement Planning Zach Jenkins and George Fossing, in a recorded interview posted on foxcarolina.com, cover a variety of fundamentals future retirees need to consider while there’s still time to take action. From portfolio diversification to ensuring the availability of…
Key Retirement Pre-Planning Tips
Retirement is a dream for many people…one that always seems to be way in the future. And then, suddenly, it’s staring us in the face. Now what do you do to get ready? As Mary A. Durra, Vice President and Senior Financial…
Suspension of Benefits – Clearing Up Some Misunderstanding
Larry Kotlikoff, Professor of Economics at Boston University and the founder and president of Economic Security Planning, provides some clarifying information on the subject of beneficiaries’ ability to suspend Social Security payments at full retirement age. The clarification is offered…
Social Security Procedures for End-of-Life
An important thing to know is how to handle Social Security-related matters upon the death of a spouse or someone in your care. The proper flow of benefit payments at the end of one’s life is generally not well understood,…
The Often Misunderstood Subject of Spousal Benefits
Veteran columnist Tom Margenau fields a multitude of questions about Social Security, and has done it for a long time. We frequently re-post his material on this site as an additional service to readers, similar to our weekly “Ask Rusty” Q&A…