Latest News
Does filing early really hurt seniors in the long run?
Many of us grapple with the decision of when to file for Social Security, because while those benefits themselves are initially based on a given worker’s lifetime earnings, the age at which they’re first claimed can cause that number to…
Are you planning on collecting Social Security at 62? You may want to think again
The earliest age and by far the most common age for people to start taking their Social Security retirement benefits is: 62. Although it may seem tempting to collect as soon as possible, it could very well backfire on you.…
Charts to see how your benefits could change starting in January
Wondering what your Social Security check will look like in 2019? The Social Security Administration has examples of estimated average monthly Social Security benefits payable in January 2019, both before and after next year’s 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment. If you…
States and Congress are working on reshaping retirement planning
According to recent data from the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC), found although 57 percent of Americans surveyed are excited about retirement; however, many are unprepared to turn their dream golden years into reality. Similarly, the Pew Research Center found…
Are you apprehensive about retirement?
Often, people are a bit apprehensive about retirement. While some people might have been saving and planning for decades for retirement, others might not have given much thought to it. Experts say the transition should get more than just a…
Updating the Social Security number system
At a recent panel on updating the Social Security Number systems, experts in cybersecurity agree that most fixes suggested are either technologically untested, expensive to implement or both. They say the core problem with the national identity system that has…
Deciding when to take Social Security
A sizable amount of Social Security beneficiaries depend on their Social Security benefit for 90 percent or more of their retirement income. So, that is why it’s important for pre-retirees to figure the best time to take Social Security. Deciding when to take…
The budget deficit & Social Security
Mark Miller wades into the controversial debate about Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and the budget deficit. These three programs, along with Defense, are the biggest in the entire federal budget. So, naturally “deficit hawks” talk about needing to do…
Keep portfolio intact by taking Social Security early
Conventional wisdom, at least as measured by what most experts say in financial articles, suggests delaying Social Security benefits as long as possible. After all, delaying from full retirement age until age 70 yields an 8% annual benefit for waiting. But…
The young are spending. But are they saving too?
With Social Security replacing just 40 percent of pre-retirement income and pensions going the way of the dodo bird, one would assume young people to be hoarding their pennies to make up the difference to have a secure retirement. But that…