Latest News
Explaining the new security layer for Social Security online accounts
Back in June, the Social Security Administration added another layer of security for online accounts, in response to incidents of scammers hacking into beneficiaries accounts. The change caught many people by surprise and resulted in a lot of confusion, but…
Waiting vs. claiming early and investing the benefits
It’s the most frequently asked question to advisors – “When should I start my benefits?” And there are a lot of variables, which means there are also a lot of strategies that can be considered. One strategy our readers sometimes suggest is to…
Retirement planning for women is different
It’s a statistical fact that more and more women are spending more and more years single in their lifetime. The increase is partly a result of the changing cultural times, and partly due to the reality that women, on average, simply…
Your biggest retirement expense? Most likely healthcare
According to Fidelity Benefits Consulting, the average couple retiring today will face about $275,000 in out-of-pocket healthcare costs during their retirement. Of course there are a lot of variables that will determine what your actual healthcare costs will be, but…
Medicare, Social Security, and more
Journalist and author Philip Moeller, a well known and frequent contributor to various publications, advises those seeking advice on aging and retirement. Mr. Moeller’s latest weekly column at PBS NewsHour’s online portal answers questions about Medicare premiums, Medicare vs. Federal and…
Nearly $11 million in improper payments made by Social Security
In a chilling report by Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), it was revealed that over the period of 2014 – 2016, nearly $11 million in benefit payments were made to wrong bank accounts. This was largely the…
Redefining “work” as you approach retirement
Many Americans approaching retirement are finding that their assets, including Social Security, may not be enough to sustain them financially. Still others have no desire to simply spend their “golden years” idling in their lounge chair, playing golf, or dozing…
A reason to retire early
Most of the advice you read about when to take Social Security benefits will talk about today’s increased longevity and how waiting to claim Social Security will yield considerably higher benefit payments to help you enjoy your golden years. But…
A nursing home wedding and a healthy spouse: What about Social Security?
If an elderly nursing home resident gets married to a healthy bride or groom, how does Social Security work? Well, Social Security works for the bride and groom essentially the same as if no nursing home was in the picture.…
Seniors, and Social Security’s Family Maximum
You are probably aware that minor children, disabled children and spouses are eligible for collect benefits based upon an individual worker’s Social Security record. But seniors with minor dependents should be aware that Social Security has a maximum benefit that…