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Putting the Potential Government Shutdown in Perspective
Although this morning there’s a glimmer of hope that the impending December 21 “shutdown” of the federal government may be temporarily averted, the potential of such an event stirs emotions in many parts of the country, not the least of which is…
Rumblings About Social Security, Medicare Reform
In an article by The Vindicator’s Robert Weiner and Ben Lasky, the sentiments of U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, looking ahead to the coming year, are reviewed. The article sets the stage for what looks to be a continuing legislative battle around…
Not Every Worker in America Draws Social Security Benefits
Officially, they fall into a category called “never beneficiaries,” and it’s a category that includes “3 percent of people age 60 to 89,” according to a post by CNBC.com’s Kelli Grant. Occupants of this category include government workers, teachers and railroad…
An Example of Why It’s Important to Verify Details
As we’ve said before, mistakes do happen, and here’s an example of a mistake that would have been extremely costly if it had not been noticed. In this post from CBS’ Dana Kozlov, a data entry error by Social Security…
Using the Social Security “Do Over” Option as a Loan of Sorts
It might sound like trickery, but there is a way to obtain benefits on a temporary basis without jeopardizing your ability to maximum monthly benefits at a later date. The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman explains how the one-time option of stopping…
Benefits at FRA or Age 70…A Look at the Debate
MarketWatch columnist Mark Hulbert provides an interesting discussion about the question of which is financially best: to file for Social Security benefits at full retirement age, or delay to age 70 and reap the rewards of delayed retirement credits. Like…
Assessing Your Retirement Readiness
With the equity markets in a state of disarray, and with uncertainty around every corner, it seems like everyone’s retirement plans are in jeopardy. The basic problem–and it’s not a new one at all–is one of figuring out the timing…
Social Security Records: Yes, Mistakes Do Happen
No system is infallible, even those operated my the Federal Government. The fact of the matter is that mistakes in your personal Social Security records do occur, and it’s up to you to catch them. Te good news is that…
Financial Preparedness and Retirement Planning: The Stress Equation
FEDweek’s editorial staff takes a look at recent conclusions drawn by the Employee Benefit Research Institute suggesting that being financially prepared for retirement can relieve much of the stress typically encountered in this phase of retirement planning. Their article takes a…
Strategic Thinking on Deferred Compensation Withdrawals
With hundreds of thousands of 401k and IRA millionaires now looking at using these funds to support retirement, its time to recognize the importance of tax-effective strategies for withdrawals. In a post on www.forbes.com, contributor Stephen Chen takes a look at strategies…