Latest News
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),…
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…
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…
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…
Social Security a bit different for the self-employed
You may know that 6.2% Social Security payroll tax is deducted from worker paychecks. Employers pay the same amount as well, but self-employed people pay the combined 12.4%, or a combined 15.3% when Medicare tax is included. The process to…
Forced to Retire Earlier Than Planned? Here’s What to do Next
According to the Center for Retirement Research (CRR) at Boston College, 37% of people retire earlier than planned. Reasons can be poor health, job loss, or a familial shock. Kailey Fralick explains the importance of evaluating one’s retirement plan when…