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What should you do if retirement comes sooner than you planned?
Even for those who fastidiously plan out their retirement goals, surprises such as loss of job, illness or disability can force you into retirement earlier than you planned. When this happens, you may have to make some decisions quickly and without…
Not so new news: Social Security’s purchasing power has declined
For over 60% of America’s seniors, Social Security represents over 50% of their retirement income. And with Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) being painfully low in recent years as well as the ever increasing rise in expense categories such as healthcare,…
Possible Social Security changes in 2018: COLA increase may be coming
It is, of course, a little too early to know for sure, but inflation trends as measured by the Consumer Price Index point to a potential Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients in 2018. The increase may…
More on the Pitfalls of Over Reliance on Social Security
The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman, in a post today on www.fool.com, rehashes the likelihood that folks relying on Social Security for too large a portion of their retirement financing are headed for a problem. She cites Gallup poll results showing 43% of…
Spousal benefit Q&A
Certified Financial Planner Liz Weston, in a post today on www.latimes.com, provides some insights into how Social Security’s spousal benefits work. Check out her article, which includes some addition Q&A on other matters, here… Notice: The link provided above connects…
Getting the Best From Retirement
Cheat Sheet’s Sheiresa Ngo offers some common sense suggestions to help folks do some long-range planning to prepare themselves for eventual retirement. Her thoughts focus on ways to successfully achieve the dream of retiring early. Read the article here… Notice: The…
Retirement and Stress–Some Concerning Statistics
Financial writer Adam Richards takes a look at some statistics that cause concern among economists regarding the road ahead for future retirees. Citing average amounts of accumulated wealth, he points out why many older Americans harbor concerns about how they’ll…
Fair COLA Act Reintroduced
Minnesota Congressman Rick Nolan on Friday reintroduced the Fair COLA for Seniors Act legislation (H.R.2896) calling for a one-time, 3.9% mid-year cost of living adjustment (COLA) in the benefits of 59 million Social Security recipients. In a statement posted on his…
Nearing Social Security/Retirement Age? Pointers to help make up ground on savings.
In a podcast available on www.usaastories.com, J.J. Montanaro of USAA provides some advice on approaches to savings that can help those lacking a comfortable cushion to catch up before it’s too late. Listen to the podcast here, or if you’d prefer reading…
HSAs and Social Security…Some Important Details to Know
Ed Slott, a Financial Planning contributing writer, offers some critical information about Health Savings Plans (HSAs) and how they fit into financial planning for seniors. Although his article is geared toward financial planners and the advice they might give clients, the information…