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Increasingly Low Interest Rates Hurt Retirees
Low interest rates are great if you’re borrowing money. Indeed, who among us hasn’t shopped for the lowest possible mortgage rate or auto loan rate? And, while interest rates were reasonably low even before the coronavirus, the ongoing pandemic may…
New Online Video Service for Social Security Appeal Hearings
Appealing a Social Security decision often results in an in-person hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who reviews all of the pertinent facts of the case, allows you to present your appeal in person, and renders an independent judgement. But in the age…
When It Makes Sense to Claim Social Security Early
Most advisors will counsel you to wait as long as possible to claim your Social Security benefits, and that’s usually very sage advice. But life is full of realities, and one reality is that it sometimes isn’t possible or prudent to…
About Social Security Fundamentals
Knowing at least the basics about Social Security is critical to make the right decision on when to claim. Do you know your full retirement age? Or how your benefit is calculated? Or even the types of benefit you may…
Supplementing Your Social Security Income
Most who collect benefits say that Social Security is a “major” part of their retirement income. But Social Security was never meant to be the sole source of income during retirement. Rather, the program was designed to only supplement your retirement income, leaving…
Medicare Open Enrollment During the Pandemic
The upcoming annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is just around the corner, starting on October 15th and running through December 7th. This is the annual timeframe during which those eligible for Medicare can evaluate and, if appropriate, select a new Medicare…
Claiming Social Security Early May Be Right for You
Most people know that claiming benefits at age 62 means a benefit at least 25% less and, depending on your full retirement age, perhaps as much as 30% smaller. But life’s realities are such that sometimes claiming at age 62…
About Social Security’s Future
It’s been quite widely reported that Social Security will be facing financial difficulties in the not-too-distant future. And that was true even before the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the U.S. economy. But the pandemic isn’t the real reason Social Security is in…
When Taking Social Security Before Age 70 is Smart
Most financial advisors will counsel their clients to wait as long as possible, up to age 70, to claim their Social Security benefits. And with good reason, because age 70 is when your benefit reaches maximum, usually about 76% more…
Regret claiming Social Security too early? Here’s what you can do.
Age 62 is the earliest you can claim Social Security retirement benefits and, not surprisingly, that is the age that most people claim their benefits. But, claiming at 62 will mean that your benefit amount will be permanently reduced by…