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Affording Retirement: It’s more than just deferring Social Security benefits
Avoiding the temptation to begin drawing benefits at the earliest possible point (age 62, for most) is dawning as a necessary strategy for those concerned about affording retirement, but it’s not the only thing to consider. There are several other…
On SSDI and turning 65? Check this article out.
“Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries become full retirement age. The law does not allow a person to receive both retirement and disability benefits on one earnings record at the same time.” So says the…
Some Thoughts on Year-End Social Security Planning
Even if you’re not yet signed up for Social Security benefits, there are a few housekeeping steps you should consider as 2020 comes to a sputtering close…finally! And if you’re looking ahead to joining the ranks of those already collecting…
Social Security and Gun Control–Action Expected from New Administration
Well, it looks like we’re inching along to the start of a Biden-Harris administration (although it’s not over yet!), and one of the actions likely to surface after the January 20, 2021 inauguration will involve Social Security and gun control.…
Collecting on an Ex-Spouses’ Work Record: Must You Ask?
Filing for spousal benefits on the work record of an ex-spouse is a fairly straightforward process, and it requires adherence to a set of rules. But notifying the ex-spouse is not one of them. This very question was raised in…
Stimulus Checks? Not yet, but the scammers are working on it!
Deliberations are still underway on a COVID-19 relief bill, with rhetoric bouncing back-and-forth on the subject of individual, direct stimulus payments similar to the step taken earlier this year. Whether or not that will happen is anybody’s guess at this…
Understanding Where Social Security’s Reserves Fit in the GDP Picture
As pointed out in a recent article posted by CPA Michael Doorley on cpajournal.com, professionals in this line of work are often roped into conversation about the national debt, and specifically about its relationship to gross domestic product. Along with this need…
How Do HSAs Fit in a Retirement Savings Plan?
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be viewed as a way to help build wealth for one’s retirement years. So says The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman in a post recently on https://roanoke.com. Given their triple tax-advantaged structure, notes Ms. Backman, they provide the…
Health Care Costs in Retirement
Over the years, we’ve seen–and posted–many articles describing what’s ahead for retirees as they face the costs of maintaining health in their later years. The latest version, from The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman posted on journalnow.com, takes these projections new and even…
Average Social Security Benefits by Age: Some Interesting Stats!
Along with a quick recap of the main factors that go into determining one’s Social Security benefit, The Motley Fool’s Sean Williams, in a post on kenoshanews.com, provides an interesting look at the averages benefits paid to individuals from age 62…