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Social Security’s Ticket To Work program helps disabled return to work
The “Ticket to Work” program, a service of the Social Security Administration, assists those who are unable to work due to a disability. The program helps with job training, vocational rehabilitation, placement services and more, as explained in this Santa Maria…
Here’s what you need to know about Social Security
Social Security is, arguably, one of the most important financial programs in the country, especially for the older generation of Americans. But surprisingly, a majority of people approaching or at the age they can begin benefits know next to nothing…
Social Security Disability – a lifeline fraught with problems
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is designed to provide a lifeline of income to workers who become disabled and unable to earn for a year or more. As with any insurance policy, you pay premiums in the form of…
Applying for Social Security online is easy
Even if you’re not technically astute, Social Security’s online website makes it easy for you to apply for benefits online. Simply set up your own personal My Social Security account and a couple of clicks will take you to an…
Retirement savings – crucial to your retirement
It’s never too soon to start saving for your retirement, even if it’s still decades away. And while there will surely be many enticing opportunities to use your money for short-term things, retirement savings should stay at the top of…
Don’t believe these retirement myths
Everyone’s needs in retirement are different, and there are never any cookie-cutter answers to how to manage your golden years. But there are a few popular misconceptions that you should be aware of as you do your planning, and these incorrect…
Claiming Social Security at age 70 will mean a bigger benefit
Picking the right age to begin collecting Social Security is always a personal choice based upon current income needs, health and a few other factors. But if your circumstances are such that you can do it, you can expect to…
Not all high-earners’ income is counted when computing Social Security benefits
Though it seems vogue these days to bash high-earners, when it comes to Social Security not all of their income gets counted when computing their benefit amount. What that means is that anything earned over the annual maximum payroll withholding tax…
A first-hand account of a single payer healthcare system
There is a lot of talk these days about “single payer” healthcare systems, such as the UK’s system which is often touted as a model. But what’s it really like from the view of someone who knows – someone who has…
Protect your retirement savings by having a separate Emergency Fund
The reality is “life happens”. Even for those who are meticulously focused on putting money into their retirement savings investments will eventually encounter an emergency which strains their financial well being. Planning ahead for such emergencies can best be done…