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Note to millennials: Don’t put off investing for retirement
It’s probably understandable, but the millennial generation (those born between the early 1980’s and mid-1990’s) seems skeptical about saving for retirement. Considering that they’ve lived through a depression with scant job opportunities, that shouldn’t be especially surprising. However, as this…
Can better interest rates help Social Security’s finances?
Despite all of the negative press you read about Social Security’s finances, the fact is that the Trust Fund is flush with about $2.85 trillion dollars in assets. Those assets are, in reality, special issue government bonds which yield interest,…
Social Security’s real dilemma? People are living much longer
It’s pretty well known by now that Social Security is facing a financial dilemma because it’s paying out more in benefits than it receives in payroll taxes. Everything written these days seems to focus on the aging “baby boomer” population entering…
Social Security not meant to be your primary retirement plan
When it was originally conceived and enacted back in the 1930’s, Social Security was a social program that protected only poor and low income workers from living out their older years in poverty. Then, in 1939, protection for survivor’s and…
Retirement strategies for a booming market
With the stock market riding a tidal wave of financial growth, many retirees and soon-to-be-retirees whose savings needed a boost are finding that their nest egg is now doing very well, and that they’re much better positioned for their golden years…
Widow’s benefits, spousal benefits, and more from “Ask Larry”
Laurence Kotlikoff is a frequently published author on matters related to Social Security, most often in his regular financial advice column known as “Ask Larry”. In this article appearing in Forbes, Mr. Kotlikoff answers questions about a widow’s Social Security benefits,…
Should you take Social Security at age 66?
For many considering retirement these days, 66 is often their target age – the age at which they plan to hang up their work clothes and join the ranks of those pursuing a well earned life of leisure. And while claiming at age…
Social Security: There when you need it
There’s probably little argument that Social Security has become one of the most important earned benefit programs enjoyed by America’s senior citizens. It’s there for not only retirees, but also spouses, disabled workers, survivors and disabled children. This article by Jim…
Retirement planning: Down the generations
Nearly all of what you read today will suggest that American’s are woefully unprepared for their future retirement, especially as relates to how big a nest egg they have, or will have, when the golden years arrive. In this Chicago…
Some can get Social Security benefits before they’re 62
As it was first enacted, Social Security was envisioned as a program to provide benefits for older retirees, and even today those are who make up the majority of beneficiaries. Everyone knows that the usual eligibility age for benefits is…