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The path to long term Social Security trust fund solvency without raising taxes
What is the one program that younger Americans tend not to think about, but most older Americans depend on it: Social Security. According to estimates, Social Security trust fund reserves will become depleted by 2034 if Congress does not make…
How longevity fits into your Social Security decision
We often speak of the key things which determine your Social Security benefit amount – specifically your average lifetime earnings and the age at which you claim benefits. And while you can’t do much to change your earnings history, you do…
Social Security Disability benefits for seniors
The Social Security payroll tax withheld from your paycheck includes a small amount as a premium payment for worker protection called Social Security Disability Insurance, or “SSDI.” The SSDI program is there as protection for workers who become disabled and suddenly…
Sen. Warren’s socialist Social Security reform plan
Even after announcing her plan to reform Social Security, the topic never came up for discussion during the recent Democratic debates. That’s unfortunate, because fixing Social Security’s financial woes is something of major importance to a big segment of our…
Social Security when working after age 70
Seventy is the new fifty, , or so we’re told. Then it should be no surprise that so many seniors are working up to and beyond age 70. But what does that mean for someone who’s already collecting Social Security? …
Medicare For All – An unaffordable and unrealistic plan
“Medicare For All,” touted by Bernie Sanders and others who love to promote “feel good” socialist ideas without regard for their cost, is all over the news these days. Venerable economic expert Charles Blahous, formerly a Trustee of the Government’s…
“Original Medicare,” or Medicare Advantage: Two different things
“Original Medicare” refers to the Medicare coverage which existed prior to the advent of plans known as “Medicare Advantage.” Original Medicare is a program which is provided by the Federal Government, and includes coverage for hospitalization (known as Part A),…
The basics: Here’s what determines your Social Security benefit
In an excellent summary of a sometimes complex topic, this Motley Fool article by Maurie Backman explains how your Social Security benefit is determined. Essentially, as explained in the article, it all boils down to the number of years your…
How does Social Security work in other countries?
The United States is not alone when it comes to having a Social Security program to protect it’s senior citizens from poverty in their old age. Most developed countries have such a program, and those foreign programs are sometimes touted…
How to spot a phone scam call
Every month, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) receives about half a million complaints about unwanted calls, underlining how pervasive the whole phone scam problem has become. But, how do you know if a call is a scam when the caller…