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The “next-best” age for Claiming Social Security (beside age 70)
In something of an anti-climatic muse, the author of this article suggests (by quoting a financial expert) that while you can get your maximum Social Security benefit at age 70, there is a “next best” age at which to claim…
Disabled workers face Social Security conundrum
Those who collect Social Security disability benefits – either standard “SSDI” (Social Security Disability Income), or “SSI” (Supplemental Security Income) – face a growing conundrum if they try to work to supplement their meager benefits. Similarly, other means-tested benefit programs may be at…
Financial emergencies can be hazardous to your 401(k)
According to a recent Bankrate survey, almost half of Americans said they withdrew from their retirement accounts early because of unemployment, unexpected bills, and debt repayment. The survey found that 60 percent of households with income below $30,000 took money…
How to strengthen your retirement security
We all want to know the answer to this important question: How can I make sure I have enough money when I’m retired? In the attached column by Paul A. Merriman, founder of Merriman Wealth Management and author of numerous…
Choosing Medicare or not is one of the most important decisions pre-retirement
As 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 everyday, signing up for Medicare is one of the most important decisions you need to make pre-retirement. One question that many working individuals have: Should I switch to Medicare or stay on my employer…
How to find out what your Social Security benefits will be
Not even an income of $100,000, which is above the national average of $51,960, is necessarily enough to ensure financial security for the rest of your life. So, you should get busy planning for your retirement which includes knowing how…
Improvements to your 401(k) you and your employer can make
Few retirement options are better than a 401(k). You can make pretax contributions, get tax-deferred investments and if offered by your employer, free money via an employer match option. However, many 401(k) plans are not living up to their potential…
Choosing Medicare or not is one of the most important decisions pre-retirement
As 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 everyday, signing up for Medicare is one of the most important decisions you need to make pre-retirement. One question that many working individuals have: Should I switch to Medicare or stay on my employer…
The possible effects of retirement on your health
With the growing popularity of the Financial Independence/Retire Early (FIRE) movement taking place, in Mark Hulbert’s opinion column published on MarketWatch, he explores several recent studies that are shedding new light on the effects of early retirement on your health.…
The new retirement numbers for 2020
The new year is almost upon us and its time to review some important retirement numbers. If you are under the age of 50, you will be able to put away up to $19,500 in a 401(k) plan and up…