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Understanding RMDs and Related Tax Consequences
As retirees plan for the “distribution phase” of their retirement financial plan, it’s important to clearly understand the nuances of required minimum distributions (RMDs). They’ve changed, as have several of the related rules, especially with respect to when RMDs are…
Census Time is Coming…Beware of Scammers!
Another decade has passed, and the 2020 census count is set to begin. Unfortunately, the criminal element is really looking forward to it, and will likely be gearing up with new scams and attacks on your personal information, all disguised…
Some Thoughts on Dealing With the Retirement Savings “Dilemma”
So often we see articles about how deficient Americans are about saving for their retirement years, and it generates feelings of despair in the minds of many folks. Some of the “advice” offered but the pundits focuses on avoiding frivolous…
Savings, Savings, Savings…How to You Stack Up Against the Pack?
In a post on the Albany Democrat-Herald, The Motley Fool’s Christy Bieber presents a chilling account of what one study suggests as a necessary rate of saving for retirement. Citing conclusions from the 2018 Retirement Income Adequacy Study by AON, “the typical employee…
The Importance of Getting Help in Retirement Planning
Its complex, this business of planning a retirement. Or, perhaps more to the point, planning for a comfortable, supportive income stream for this phase of your life. NerdWallet’s Liz Weston, a Certified Financial Planner offers thoughts on how a comprehensive financial…
A Case for Claiming Social Security at Age 62
We’ve all heard the advice…don’t file for benefits at age 62. Why? You’ll get more if you wait. That may or may not be true, depending on how your personal longevity compares to the actuarial assumptions used by the Social…
Concerns About Fraud on the Rise
Forbes contributor Shep Hyken, in a post on www.forbes.com, examines the growing concerns across the U.S. consumer base about fraud and its impact on each of us. In fact, Hyken reports that over 90% of us are concerned about the potential of…
For Those Turning Age 66
Financial contributor Tom Margenau, in a post on www.dallasnews.com. provides some importance guidance for anyone turning 66 and planning to file for Social Security benefits in 2020. “January is a critical month …” says Tom. Check out his post here to find…
How much will you need to live in your state once you retire?
According to GoBankingRates’ recent analysis, the state you choose to retire in could mean you’ll need anywhere from $666,000 to upward of $2 million saved…and that’s outside of what you get from your Social Security checks. These are just estimates, but…
Social Security Credit for Military Service
One of the most overlooked benefit for federal retirees or any retiree that might be eligible to receive Social Security involves credit for time spent in military service. You should check your Social Security earnings records to be sure that…