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A Retrospective on Social Security’s COLA History
With only a few weeks remaining until the New Year arrives and the 2% 2018 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) kicks in (well, what remains of it after the Medicare premium is applied), it seems to be a good time to take…
A New Strategy for Retirement Planning
The new realities of planning finances for a secure retirement, when set against amidst the evaporation of traditional pension plans, can cause an intense degree of uncertainty among those approaching that phase of their lives. Out of this uncertainty, though,…
Approaching the Social Security Decision Point: Some Thoughts to Ponder
If you’re early retirement age (62) is getting close, or if you past that but not yet at your full retirement age (FRA), you have a decision to make: When to File? In a post titled “3 Signs You Shouldn’t…
OK…You’ve Made it to Retirement. But Can You?
Reaching retirement age is one thing, but being financially prepared to take that step can be quite another. The Motley Fool’s Wendy Connick provides some suggestions for those who find themselves at a financial disadvantage when it’s time to “pull the…
Are Millennials Getting a Bum Rap in Retirement Planning?
The millennial generation–those with birth dates from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s to early 2000s–are frequently the target of media pronouncements that they are not adequately saving for their own future. Are these assessments fair? Maybe not, says Tiffanie Wen of BBC…
What’s Ahead for Your Social Security Number
2017 has been another miserable year for security beaches, with Social Security numbers front and center in the vulnerabilities we all face as we try to protect ourselves against scammers, thieves, and those out to take our money. One World…
10 Handy Ways to Use Social Security Online
(Source: Social Security Administration) here are many easy ways to use our website. Here are some common and not-so common uses: Apply for Social Security benefits online, of course! This is the fastest, most convenient way to apply for retirement, spouses, disability,…
A Serious Look at Retirement Life
Living in the retirement years is something that brings with it a set of realities that can be overlooked until one arrives at that stage. Columnist Rick Kahler, in a post on www.thepublicopinion.com, takes a frank and honest look at these realities.…
Marriage, Divorce, and Benefits–Looking at the Complications
Social Security columnist Tom Margenau, in a post on tucson.com, examines some of the intricacies of spousal benefits in divorce situations. His analysis covers some of the often misunderstood details of how long the marriage must be in effect, how…
Some “No-Brainers” on How to Wring More Money out of Social Security
The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman offers some basic thoughts on steps one can take to make their monthly Social Security payment a little larger. From delayed filing, to continuing to work into retirement, they’re obvious, but certainly worthy of keeping in…