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Social Security Disability Benefits – don’t try to finagle the rules
In this Investment News column, Mary Beth Franklin discusses how trying to mess with Social Security’s rules for claiming disability benefits and maximizing retirement benefits can have some disastrous unintended consequences. The rules are very clear that disability benefits automatically…
Are your retirement expectations realistic?
A recent study revealed that more than half of those surveyed felt that receiving an inheritance was a part of their retirement plan, and more than three-fourths say they’re counting on help from their family after they retire. That’s quite unrealistic, especially considering…
Social Security “credits” earned from working are good for life
In his Social Security and You column appearing in the Tucson.com (AZ) online edition, columnist Tom Margenau responds to a question about someone losing their Social Security credits if they don’t return to work soon. Workers earn Social Security “credits”…
Will Social Security be there when you want to retire?
A recent study revealed that 77% of workers fear that Social Security won’t be there for them when they’re ready to retire. But, since Social Security was never intended to make up more than 40% of anyone’s retirement income, those folks…
In your 50’s? Here’s what to do about retirement
Probably because it’s often viewed as a daunting task, a lot of people coast into their 50’s without having given much thought to their retirement, which at this point could be just around the corner. Time is running out, so…
Getting ready for retirement requires forethought
Retirement is arguably one of the biggest lifestyle transitions a person will ever have to make, and unfortunately far too many Americans are ill-prepared. That’s why, regardless of how many years you have to reach that age, now is the…
How to kick-start your retirement savings
Your personal savings is one leg of the proverbial “three legged stool” most retirement planners discuss, but too many Americans find saving for their retirement as a tough task. Adapting from a “save what’s left over”, to a “save first…
Setting up your online Social Security account helps avoid identity theft
Social Security’s online services include giving you the ability to set up a secure, personal account known as “My Social Security”. Having that account gives you access to all the information Social Security has about, gives you a way to estimate…
Withdrawing from your nest egg: The old rules may not work well
The “4% Rule”, first put forth in 1994, is still offered as a starting point for how much should should be able to safely withdraw from your retirement nest egg without running out of money. But the financial world, like…
Will you have enough money in retirement?
Social Security was never intended to be a retiree’s main sources of income; rather, it should be viewed as a supplement to other sources, the combined total of which can give you the comfort you seek in your golden years. What’s…