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Understanding the Complexities of Disability in SSDI amd SSI
In an article titled “What’s Really Keeping People With Disabilities Unemployed” posted on www.themighty.com, Karin Willison provides a detailed account of the myriad complexities faced by beneficiaries under America’s disability support programs. As Disability Employment Awareness Month winds to an end next week,…
No 401k? Don’t despair…you have some options.
Although millions and millions of workers do not have access to 401k plans like those offered by big employers, there are still steps they can take to avoid an insurmountable problem. And while help may be on the way via Department…
Thoughts on Stretching Your Nest Egg
Outliving one’s accumulated financial resources in retirement continues to be a serious concern for many folks thinking about retirement (or already in retirement). The Street’s Robert Powell, in a post on USAToday.com provides some thoughts on steps one can take…
Health Insurance Costs and the Social Security COLA…Some Thoughts
In a post on kernvalleysun.com, licensed insurance broker Harry P. Thal, MA offers commentary on how Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is calculated and the relationship between this COLA and the premium payments beneficiaries need to absord for Medicare coverage. His remarks also…
The Implications of Filing for Social Security Early
MarketWatch contributor Brenton Smith provides, in a post on www.marketwatch.com, some thoughts on the long-term implications of filing for Social Security benefits before reaching full retirement age or even before age 70, when delayed retirement credits stop. His analysis of Social…
Caller ID Says Social Security…But is it Real?
The criminals these days are expanding their criteria these days, using clever tricks to con unsuspecting folks and draw them into their web. As explained in this Washington Times post by reporter Stephen Dinan, the crooks have honed their technique…
Imagining Yourself in Retirtement…No, Really: Developing a Mental Image Can Help You Get There
In their recent study report titled “Envisioning retirement: a simple finding to help Americans prepare for their future,” the folks at American Funds Capital Group suggest that being able to develop in one’s mind a mental picture of what retired…
Underfunded Public Pensions…A Shared Problem
With reports that “half the states have pensions that are 70% funded or much worse,” there is a looming crisis on the horizon (and not that far away actually) that will have a fairly wide impact on just about all…
Pitfalls and Trapdoors, and How They Can Derail Retirement plans
Although there’s been a slight dip in reported cases, the Federal Trade Commission still reports that 2017 produced 2.68 million fraud, identity theft, and similar reports. With over 40% of these being outright fraud situations, it’s not surprising that the…
The Retirement Road Ahead for Baby Boomers…Not ahAll that Smooth
According to conclusions drawn by the Stanford Center on Longevity (SCL), the Baby Boomer population segment faces some white water in their retirement years. Citing a shortfall in accumulated wealth and the absence of discernible interest in shoring up their finances…