Latest News
What is covered by Medicare for vision services
What does Medicare cover for vision services? Many people are unsure what Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to vision services. The attached article gives a breakdown on what is and isn’t covered by Medicare. Click here… …
If you plan to relocate for retirement, it’s time to get real
For those baby boomers planning to relocate for retirement, it is time to get real and drop the fantasies. Retirees who want to relocate should begin by reviewing their finances and then start to build pro and con lists for each…
Do you want to be self-employed? If so, you will need to be responsible for these hidden taxes
Do you want to be self-employed? If you are considering making the move, there are two common pitfalls to avoid. There are two simple items that your employer pays for today that you will be responsible for paying and it…
Don’t make these mistakes with your Social Security benefit
There are plenty of great features of Social Security, but you must understand how the program works. But there are also traps for the unwary if you are not familiar with the ins and outs of its rules. Here are…
Working and collecting Social Security? What you need to know
About 20% of people age 65+ now work full or part-time, up 50% from 2000. It is important to understand the rules regarding work while collecting Social Security benefits. If you work before reaching full retirement age (66 or 67), then there…
Resist urge to claim benefits at 62 – Here’s why
Most people do file for Social Security benefits early, at or close to age 62. The drawback is permanently lower monthly benefits for life. For someone with a full retirement age of 67, claiming at 62 means a 30% reduction. …
Ask these four questions before signing up for Social Security
Sean Williams notes the four components that determine monthly benefits at full retirement age. They are work history, earnings history, year of birth, and the age one claims benefits. Waiting as long as possible (to age 70) will greatly increase one’s monthly…
Lump sums, future income, and spousal benefits explained
When one decides to take Social Security will impact monthly benefits for a lifetime, so it is important to consider all options. Laurence Kotlikoff, professor at Boston University, addresses a number of questions in this column, including how a lump…
Social Security Fast Facts
Glen Harding of Money Talks lists a number of interesting, and less well known, facts about the Social Security program. Consider, for example, that the trust funds exceed all but the nine largest countries’ gross domestic products. Social Security is also…
Professor argues for higher Social Security taxes
Professor Joel McNally, writing in The Shepherd Express, notes how, over the past several years, college students have shown little faith in Social Security actually being there for them in their own old age. McNally advocates for the more liberal position of…