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More Discussion on the “WEP-Fix” Issue
In a post today on www.newsmax.com, financial market strategist Peter Reagan offers commentary on Congressional efforts to “fix” Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Describing these efforts as focused on making the legislation fairer for those affected by it, Reagan suggests strategies that…
The SECURE Act–2020 Passage Hoped For
After unanimously passing a House vote earlier this year, HR 1994 (The SECURE Act) is now awaiting action in the Senate. Industry watchers are hoping for Senate passage in 2020, as explained in this www.clevelandjewishnews.com post by Andrew Zashin, Esq.…
Can You Live on Social Security Alone?
Well, the short answer would be yes, assuming living expenses can be scaled down to meet the monthly benefit payment. Right now, that’s less than $1500 per month.In an msn.com post by Daniel B. Kline discusses the thinking that would need…
Divorce and Spousal Benefits…A Complicated Issue
Not all divorces are agreeable. In some cases, issues can arise regarding stipulations on what retirement benefits will ultimately be available to the individual parties. In this pbs.org post, Social Security expert Philip Moeller addresses the question of “Can my ex bar…
Plan for Your Future with a my Social Security Account Today!
(Source: Social Security Administration) With the addition of the new Retirement Calculator feature to my Social Security, there’s never been a better time to open or access your my Social Security account! The new my Social Security Retirement Calculator gives you confidence in your retirement decisions: Continue reading → …
The Importance of Annual Financial Check-ups for Retirement Planning
Your annual physical examination is important to your health. You know that. But do you know that an annual check-up on your financial health is also important, particularly with respect to your plans for retirement. The Motley Fool’s Katie Brockman offers…
Social Security Administration Announces Expanded Disability Fraud Effort
The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently announced expansion of its Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) Program. This program, a cooperative venture of Social Security and its OIG, State Disability Determination Services (DDS), and local law enforcement agencies now…
Taxation of Social Security Benefits
It often comes as a surprise to newly-minted Social Security beneficiaries, but that monthly stipend can be subject to federal income tax. In a post on www.cincinnati.com, reporters Nathan Bachrach and Amy Wagner explain how this can occur and your options for…
An Upside to the 1.6% COLA Bump
There’s been quite a bit of negative commentary about the 2020 drop-off in COLA, much of it focused on the increase’s inability to keep up with the growth in costs seniors face. While that criticism is probably true and justified,…
UBI vs. Social Security Expansion–A Debatable Issue
Last night’s Democratic candidate debate pitted the Universal Basic Income (UBI) concept against the merits of expanding Social Security to facilitate retirement planning. The Verge’s Makena Kelly. in a post on their website, cited what appears to be growing interest in…