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Reasons for claiming Social Security earlier
Most financial planners, looking mainly at the financial character of your Social Security benefit, will counsel clients to wait as long as possible to claim Social Security in order to get the highest possible benefit. But, there are some really…
Best places to retire
Sure, many people don’t want to move to a new environment when they stop working, preferring to stay near family and life-long friends. But just as many dream of moving to a different climate or a more retiree-friendly location to…
Short on retirement savings? Here’s what to consider
A lot has been written about America’s “retirement crisis” – mostly about the fact that far too many do not, or will not, have enough savings to carry them through their so-called “golden years.” And it’s a very real concern…
Social Security: To delay, or not to delay – that is the question.
Most people who pay even a little attention to Social Security’s rules know that the longer you delay claiming your benefits, the more your monthly payment will be. And for many, waiting even to 70 years of age is a…
Children of deceased parent may get Social Security benefits
Losing a parent is usually a devastating experience, and for dependent survivors it can also be a financially difficult time. If the parent was the primary wage earner for the family, the sudden loss of income can leave dependents without the…
How to get extra income in retirement
For many, getting extra income during retirement years is a necessity. For others, they may have found that they miss the work environment and want to re-engage in the work force. And using your personal skills or hobbies is often…
What is “disability” by Social Security’s definition?
In this article by Social Security Manager Stacey Clarkson, appearing in the Portsmouth Daily Times, the author describes Social Security’s rules for disability, including Social Security’s definition of what constitutes a “disability.” While the definition is strict and short term disabilities aren’t…
Living abroad while collecting Social Security
Many retirees dream of spending their retirement living in an exotic place, perhaps their family’s country of origin. But after a lifetime of earning your Social Security benefits, what happens to your benefit payment if you’re living abroad? Well, although…
Social Security: the age you claim is key
Yes, your Social Security benefit will be based upon your highest-earning 35 years of your lifetime working career, but there’s another factor which will have a profound effect on how much your benefit will be. That is the age at…
Save for retirement, but enjoy the present too
For anyone who stays current on America’s retirement planning topics, the financial advisor mantra of “save for your retirement” is one that permeates nearly every article written. But, in this article, columnist Michelle Singletary confesses to being a “save for…