Latest News
New Security Features for my Social Security
(Source: Social Security Administration) Social Security is adding a new requirement to protect the privacy of my Social Securitycustomers. We will be alerting current my Social Security account holders of the change via direct email over the next few weeks.…
Medicare premiums and IRMAA–An Example of Benefits Means Testing
With the current rhetoric building on means testing for Social Security, it’s meaningful to remember that Medicare is already subjected to rules that affect the amounts high earners pay for the benefit. Kiplinger’s Retirement Report Editor Rachel Sheedy provides a refresher…
Is the trend toward early filing reversing?
Avoiding the impulse to file for Social Security as early as possible seems to be taking hold, according to the results of a Fidelity Investments survey. Financial journalist Dan Kadlec examines this emerging trend in an article posted today on time.com; he also recaps…
Americans’ lack of financial acumen may be detrimental, quiz results suggest
With nearly three quarters of respondents failing a basic financial quiz, it’s clear that retirement financing could be problematic for future generations. Personal finance reporter Alessandra Malito examines some of the statistics from the quiz, nothing that “(a)lmost 75% of Americans in…
Improved Oversight Needed in Home Care
Improvements in data collection and reporting, stepped up audits, and improved monitoring of services were cited as areas needing attention in the realm of personal services provided to seniors. The matter was discussed yesterday in hearings conducted by the Energy and…
More to think about when deciding when to file
As you ponder the question of when to file for Social Security, there are several key areas you need to consider. Tony Perrone, president and founder of the Estate Planning Group offers some suggestions in a post on www.newsmax.com. Check it out…
Surprise! Retirement expectations are actually improving.
The results of a Gallup poll of “non-retired Americans” indicates that sentiments toward a comfortable retirement may be improving. In fact, compared to a year ago, those who believe they’ll have enough money to live comfortably in retirement is up…
Understanding the Social Security Earnings Test
Many folks begin drawing benefits earlier than their full retirement age (FRA), and there are often valid reasons for doing this despite the substantial reduction in monthly payments. But those who adopt this strategy also need to be fully aware…
Remember when a million was enough?
For many people currently navigating their retirement years, there was a time when having a resource base of a million dollars was a dream..one that meant you were set for a smooth and financially stable time in this phase of…
Some 2017 Changes that Affect Retirement Finance Planning
Several rule changes taking effect in 2017 have a tendency to complicate the planning process for those finalizing their retirement plans, as pointed out in an article by U.S. News & World Report’s Emily Brandon. The discontinuance of paper Social…