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The Importance of a “Thoughtful Retirement Planning Process”
Thinking about retirement can be a fascinating–and often frightening–exercise. For many folks, the closer they get to that phase of life, the more daunting the planning for those years becomes. Do I have enough of a financial cushion for when…
Social Security Insolvency and Why It’s a Concern for All
The gloom surrounding Social Security’s financial situation — specifically, the steadily depleting reserves and the projected 20% to 25% benefit reduction facing beneficiaries as early as 6 years from now — is a cause for alarm among America’s seniors. But,…
Legislation Proposed to Expand Benefits for Widowed and Surviving Divorced Spouses
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with four other Democrat Senators, announced on Thursday proposed legislation aimed at expanding Social Security benefits for widowed and surviving divorced spouses. Labeled the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act would call for…
“Social Security isn’t always an old people’s program.”
That statement is plucked directly out of a column by prominent columnist, author, and former Social Security Administration official Tom Margenau. Many who read his publications enjoy his down-home insights into the practical side of Social Security and how the…
Examining the “Working After Claiming Benefits” Trend
One of the prevalent trends in the U.S. workforce participation rate these days is the increasing number of folks remaining employed through age 70. Think Advisor senior reporter John Manganaro takes a deep dive into this trend in a post…
Fear of Insolvency Driving Many Decisions to Claim Benefits Early
It’s not the only reason folks claim Social Security before full retirement age, but the growing anxiety over the program’s financial future has become a significant factor driving early filing. The Schroders 2025 US Retirement Survey results note that 36% of…
Returning to the Workforce in Retirement? Here’s a Common Question
Rejoining the workforce after claiming retirement benefits, as well as claiming benefits while continuing to work, raises an oft-asked question: Will my benefit increase as a result of paying more FICA taxes? That’s the subject of an msn.com article posted…
SECURE 2.0 and Catch-up Changes for 2026
As we get set for the coming year, now is a good time to ensure the retirement plan changes Introduced via SECURE 2.0 and scheduled for 2026 are clearly understood. If you’re reaching age 50 and had FICA-taxed wages above…
Heads Up! RMD time is here for 2025
Many retirees have multiple deferred income accounts — 401(k)s, IRAs, etc. — and, as a result, the December 31 deadline for required minimum distributions requires careful planning. While it sounds like it should be a simple scheduling matter, it can…
More Perspective on the 2026 2.8% COLA
Yes, the 2026 adjustment is more than last year’s increase and, yes, it represents the fifth consecutive year of at least a 2.5 percent increase, something that hasn’t happened in about three decades. But all that aside, how does the 2026…