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Redefining “Retirement” (to include working)
The word “retirement” usually conjures up an image of simply hanging up one’s work boots and living a life of leisure, maybe just lounging in a hammock and reading or, perhaps, traveling to exotic places. But in these days of…
Medicare: Free “Screenings” vs. costly “Diagnostic” tests
If you are on Medicare, you likely visit your healthcare professional once a year for your “Wellness” check. And, depending on the results of that visit, your doctor may suggest additional tests based on your health profile. Here it’s important…
Reapplying for Lost SS Disability benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are available to those who experience a disability which prevents them from working, but there are fairly stringent rules to qualify for SSDI benefits. Among those rules are: a) the disability must be expected…
Can you retire on $80,000 per year?
Not according to Suze Orman, a highly acclaimed and frequently quoted retirement counselor. In this Yahoo! Finance article by Jeannine Mancin, the author quotes Ms. Orman as saying that if you think you can retire on $80,000 per year, “I’ve…
Steps for changing your address with Medicare
If you have permanently changed your address, you must update Medicare and Social Security. Especially Medicare Advantage plan members, since moving to a new county or state could affect your coverage. What are the steps for changing your address with…
Medicare’s “enrollment periods” explained
Although most people enroll in Medicare during their “Initial Enrollment Period” (IEP), which starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months thereafter, there are other times which you can also sign up for Medicare healthcare…
Not sure your nest egg will support your retirement? Here are some tips to correct that.
Many who are approaching retirement are uncomfortable that their savings and investment (otherwise called their “nest egg”) will be enough to keep them comfortable in retirement. It that is you, and you still have some time to adjust, then this…
Medicare Advantage vs. “original Medicare” and “Medigap”
Managing healthcare costs in retirement can be a daunting task. And no less daunting is how to chose between “original Medicare” provided by the federal government and “Medicare Advantage” provided by private insurers. There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to…
“Phased Retirement?” More Aging Workers are considering it!
The old tradition of working for a lifetime and then hanging it up to enjoy one’s “golden years” seems to be fading fast. As life expectancy continues to increase, many seniors find that going from full-time work to 100% idle…
Interesting Twist: Social Security Can Free You to Invest More Aggressively
Historically, most investment advisors counsel us to become more conservative in our investment strategy as we approach retirement. Conventional wisdom often suggests changing our investment portfolio from higher-risk stocks to lower risk investments such as the guaranteed returns from the…