Latest News
Taxation of Social Security Benefits…Ways to Escape it
It looks like the taxation of Social Security benefits will continue to be a fact of life, at least for the time being. So, can you do anything to mitigate the impact of this tax on your retirement financial picture?…
More Thoughts on Social Security COLA
The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman, in a recent post on mooresvilletribune.com, takes a look at how the most recent cost of living adjustments enacted for Social Security recipients have lagged cost increase faced by seniors. Although some key healthcare cost components have…
SSA Rolling Out New Statement Format?
Chris Kissell, in a post today on www.moneytalksnews.com, comments on what appears to be a revamped format for the “Your Social Security Statement” document issued now being previewed by a limited audience of mySocialSecurity account holders. The new format shortens the…
The “Filing at Age 62” Question again
It’s a subject that just keeps coming up. I’m approaching age 62, so should I file for my benefits at that point or wait. Most financial planners, of course, will tell you to hold off as long as you can,…
Post-Pandemic Retirement Savings Strategies
Indications are that the U.S. is coming out form under the COVID-19 pandemic cloud, with many folks now turning to an examination of their retirement savings plans in the aftermath of the economic devastation. Jobs are again available, and folks…
Some Pointers on Social Security Disability
Over eight million Americans currently receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, so it’s not an insignificant portion of the program’s benefit structure. Despite what many would call a high number of recipients, there are fairly stringent requirements in place…
Maximize Social Security for Your Lifetime
Diane Mtetwa writes here on how to maximize monthly benefits for life with Social Security. The key is understanding that the earlier you take benefits, the less you will get– permanently. Few realize this, as 62 is the most popular…
Test drive your retirement of leisure before doing it
This interesting MarketWatch piece by Alessandro Malito suggests people not dive right into a life of leisure without planning for it. Of course not everyone can actually pretend to retire for a month or two while they still need to…
Why Are Retirees Losing Ground on Social Security?
Christy Bieber’s main message in this piece is that people should prepare in advance for their benefits to provide less buying power over time. The main culprit is that the formula used to calculate cost of living adjustments isn’t the most…
Social Security raise doesn’t necessarily translate to more buying power
Many seniors desire 4, 5, or 6% raises in their Social Security checks, and why not want that? But that would mean rising prices at a pretty high clip to get that kind of “raise.” Result? You are no better…