Latest News
Social Security Launches New Campaign to Fight Scammers
(Source: Social Security Administration) Recently, we launched a new Public Service Announcement campaign as our latest step to caution you about the ongoing nationwide telephone impersonation scheme. The videos feature a message from our Commissioner, Andrew Saul. Along with our Office of…
Impact of 2020 COLA Called “Troubling”
Sure, it was better than nothing, but not much better. As The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman notes in a post on their website, “… a monthly boost of $10 or less isn’t going to do much for the typical retiree.” The $10…
Cutting Expenses in Retirement–A Strategy Many Look At
Whether it’s moving to a state where retirement benefits are not taxed, or simply downsizing your home in those later years, many are seeking ways to match their assets to their needs as they enter those “folden years.” Of course,…
Don’t Forget the Tax Consequences!
The inadequacy of retirement savings for most of America is a well-published situation. But for those who believe they have created a comfortable financial cushion, it’s a good idea to verify that the consequences of taxation are correctly factored into…
The Importance of Due Diligence in the Representative Payee Selection
For those Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries (SSI) who need help managing their finances, it’s critical that the source of this help be carefully selected. Social Security has published guidelines to aid folks in this process, A Guide for…
The Maximum Social Security Benefit…and How to Get it
Everyone—at least theoretically—likes to get the most out of a program they can. When it comes to Social Security benefits, that preference continues, although it’s true that getting the maximum benefit is a futile effort for most people. A post…
Factoring HSAs Into Your Retirement Financial Planning
For those who meet the qualifications for a Health Savings Account (HSA), there are substantial benefits that can help retirees navigate the financial white waters of health care. HSA contributions are triple tax-advantaged, as explained in a post on The Post…
The Time Between Disability Onset and Benefit Application
(Source: Social Security Administration) SSA’s Office of Retirement and Disability Policy has released the following on its website: Research Summary: The Time Between Disability Onset and Benefit Application Notice: The link provided above connects readers to the full content of…
March 5: “SLAM THE SCAM” Day
The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, Gail S. Ennis, is designating Thursday, March 5, 2020 as National “Slam the Scam” Day, to raise public awareness of government imposter telephone scams across the United States. These pervasive scams—in which…
Some Self-Inspection Notes on the Retirement Savings Issue
Sometimes, introspection is the best way to assess how one matches up against the crowd. So when it comes to the question of how do I compare to my peers in saving for retirement, it’s interesting that most folks surveyed…