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The maximum Social Security benefit you can receive
Given that for about 62% of beneficiaries, Social Security represents more than half of their retirement income, you may be interested to know what the maximum Social Security benefit you can receive is, and also how you can achieve it. In…
Waiting until 70 for Social Security can be a smart move
It’s the old “when should I retire” question again; the one that is asked by almost everyone approaching or attaining the age when they consider taking their Social Security benefit. There are as many reasons for taking your benefit early as there are…
The Longevity Factor: People living longer changes retirement planning
Back in the “old days” of 1960, people retiring at age 65 were, on average, expected to live about another 13 years. Fast forward to today when the average 65 year old is expected to spend another 21 years before passing…
A guide to survivor’s benefits
Let’s face it, talking about Social Security survivor’s benefits can be a little touchy. No one wants to think about their death, but taking care of your survivors in the event of your untimely passing is an important topic which…
Survey results: Americans don’t understand Social Security
Despite the fact that Social Security is probably the most important benefit program in America, far too many seniors don’t understand even the most basic elements of the program. This shocking news comes from a recent survey of over 1000…
Retirement savings back-up plan: Work another “gig”
It’s pretty well known that America has a retirement crisis – far too many people aren’t saving, or haven’t saved, enough money to give them a comfortable, stress free retirement. So what is the backup plan for those whose savings…
How to apply for Social Security benefits
Although to many Social Security can look like a huge labyrinth of complexity, if you do just a little planning ahead of time signing up for your benefits can be quite easy. Just take the time to understand the basics,…
Time for a change: Social Security numbers shouldn’t be used for identification
The Social Security Number, originally intended to be an identifier only for government transactions, has evolved into being a general method of identification used for a myriad of other purposes. And this is a root cause of why about $16.8 billion dollars worth…
Declining U.S. fertility rate spells trouble for Social Security
The U.S. fertility rate (average births per woman) has just hit a 30 year low of 1.76 which, according to some, portends a dire future for Social Security unless some action is taken soon. Historically, fertility rates have declined in periods…
With pension plans disappearing, how does one retire?
Defined benefit pension plans, long thought of as the foundation of one’s retirement, have all but gone by the wayside as people live longer and longer and employers seek more inventive ways to fund employees futures. Even Social Security, enacted in…