Latest News
The old days: “Living in sin” to keep widow’s benefits
Way back in “the old days”, if an unmarried woman and man were living together they were often described as “living in sin”. Despite the fact that it was socially unacceptable back then, many a widow was forced into that situation…
The “4% Rule”, and its flaws
The “4% Rule” is a strategy which says that you should withdraw no more than 4% of your retirement savings (adjusted for inflation) annually to make your nest egg last 30 years. This rule has been around for a long…
Using Delayed Retirement Credits to boost your Social Security benefit
Nearly everyone approaching retirement knows that if you take your Social Security benefit as soon as you are eligible at age 62, you’re going to be receiving less than your otherwise would. All Social Security benefits are computed from the…
Calculating your Social Security benefits
Social Security is, of course, only one element of your retirement financial plan, but it’s an extremely important source of income for over 42 million retirees. Where Social Security will fit in your personal future retirement plan can be hard…
Questions answered on Social Security spouse and survivor benefits
Social Security is a complex program which is often misunderstood, especially by spouses and survivors. Navigating the intricacies of Social Security is a challenge for most, and getting answers from the Social Security Administration can be an exercise in frustration. Enter syndicated…
Misconceptions about retirement financial needs
There are a lot of “standard” recommendations often written about retirement: save 10% of your salary; use the “4% rule” for withdrawing savings after retirement; Medicare will pay all your healthcare; and more. In this Motley Fool article by Christy Bieber,…
Changes to Social Security by 2020
With over 64% of beneficiaries depending upon their monthly benefit check to provide at least 50% of their retirement income, there’s little doubt that Social Security is probably the most important social program in America. But even though it has been a solid…
Social Security – by the numbers
Many of the numbers which affect Social Security have changed for 2018, such as your benefit amount from the 2% COLA increase, the payroll FICA tax cap, and the amount you can earn without penalty if you work while collecting Social…
Tips for succeeding with your Social Security disability claim
Losing your ability to work is certainly stressful enough, and it’s compounded by the loss of income. So when if you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits you’re probably not wanting to hear that it could take 3…
Can you live on Social Security alone?
Social Security plays an essential role in the financial plan of nearly every American retiree. In fact, for about 64% of beneficiaries, Social Security represents at least 50% of their total annual income, and for some it represents more than…