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Your Social Security Number: Question why it’s needed.
Social Security numbers have become a common means of identification across America, even reaching beyond Government services to doctors, hospitals, and the like. And though the Government has had limited success reducing the use of the SSN, you have more control over…
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), explained.
The Windfall Elimination Provision is an often vilified rule in the Social Security Act which reduces the benefit available to those who have worked in jobs which withheld Social Security payroll taxes, and also receive a pension from a job…
Getting married changes your benefit status
As you probably know, Social Security benefits extend to the survivors of a deceased beneficiary who was collecting retirement benefits. That includes dependent children under the age of 18 (or 19 if still in school), as well as adult unmarried…
What shape is America’s retirement system in?
There is a lot of pessimism in many recent articles about the condition of America’s retirement systems, but is there reason to be more optimistic? Whether the glass is half full or half empty is usually a state of mind,…
Are you really ready for retirement? It’s more than just a financial decision
So much emphasis is put on the financial aspect of retirement, specifically on if you can afford it, that the other important questions are often left unanswered. Retirement planning should take into account five key areas to make sure your…
Drawing down your retirement nest egg, and how to do it
At least statistically, it appears that retirees are becoming more conservative when it comes to drawing down their nest egg, driven mostly by fear that they’ll outlive their money. That is the conclusion reached by one research firm which found…
Removing the identity theft risk from your Medicare card
It’s a big and expensive project, but the Government is finally taking action to remove your Social Security number (SSN) as the primary means of identification on your Medicare card. Using your SSN on the card means that anyone who…
Grandchildren can help you with online Social Security services
It’s no secret that many senior citizens aren’t as technologically astute as those in the younger generation. And due to budget constraints and staff reductions, the Government’s trend is to provide more and more of Social Security’s services online. Therein…
Turning 65 but confused about Medicare? You’re not alone
Although nearly all those surveyed said they plan to enroll in Medicare when they become 65, a large majority admit to some level of confusion about the program, it’s parts (A, B, C & D), and whether to enroll in…
The “sandwich generation”, and their problem saving for retirement
The “sandwich generation” is comprised of people who have children on one side of them and parents on the other, either or both of which may need some financial assistance. It’s a tough call to decide whether to save for your…