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Answers to some often-asked Social Security questions
Especially if you’re now approaching the age you become eligible for Social Security benefits, it’s important that you understand at least the basics of the program and how it will fit into your overall retirement plan. From the consequences of applying…
Want a bigger Social Security check? Here’s how
The most popular age to start Social Security seems to be 62, when those who have worked enough over their lifetime first become eligible to claim benefits. In fact, about 42% of men and 48% of women apply as soon…
Time to do a retirement plan checkup before year’s end
With the new year fast approaching, you still have time to do a checkup of your retirement plan, especially whether or not you’ve made the full allowable amount of contributions to your IRA and 401(k) retirement savings accounts. Now is…
2018 changes to the Social Security program
With Social Security representing a significant portion of their retirement income, those already collecting benefits and those preparing to do so should be aware of the changes being made to the program for 2018. From the new full retirement age, to…
Your 2018 Social Security payroll taxes: What they are and where they go
Everyone knows that Social Security taxes are withheld from their earnings, but the maximum earnings amount taxed changes periodically (often annually), so the total amount of tax you pay can change also. Your employer pays an equal amount, which means…
Your estimated Social Security benefit: That’s not what you’ll actually get
When you receive your Social Security benefit estimate in the mail, or even if you look at it in your My Social Security online account, don’t be fooled into thinking that is the exact amount you will be receiving. The benefit…
Retirement Issues: Location matters (to some)
The choice of a place to spend one’s retirement years is certainly crucial, but for some its viewed as a life-or-death matter. Offering conjecture on the choice of a Florida-style retirement destination, retired 68-year old New Jersey lawyer Frank Politano says “We…
Is 2018 Your Year to Pull the Plug?
2018 is hurtling toward us, at a rate that seems to accelerate as we age. And if this coming year is the year you’re thinking about exiting the career stage and sailing off to retirement, there are some steps you…
Retirement Planning 101: A Look at Choosing a Destination
Certified Financial Planner Eleanore Szymanski, in a post today on www.nj.com, provides insight into some of the key aspects one needs to consider when deciding where they’d prefer to live during their retirement years. From social engagement to the availability of medical…
Understanding Social Security’s Payroll Tax Structure
This www.nasdaq.com post by The Motley Fool’s Christy Bieber examines the tax structure that provides the revenue for Social Security and Medicare benefits, and provides some insight into the future of these benefits programs. Read the post here… Notice: The link…