Latest News
Time to Collect Social Security Now?
Matthew Frankel underscores the advice commonly given– that there is no perfect age to take Social Security, and the ideal time depends on people’s life circumstances. Frankel lists a few things to take into consideration when deciding the best age…
Social Security Survivor Benefits – A Primer
Thomas Hager, writing in Forbes, admits most people prefer to not talk about death. But an important part of your financial health is what happens to your Social Security benefits when a spouse passes away. To qualify for Survivor Benefits:…
How do I Retire? Maybe Take a Class First.
Anne Button, founding director of the Change Makers program at the University of Colorado-Denver says, “A lot of people aren’t quite ready for their careers to end and they’re not sure what they want to do, but they don’t want…
Americans more scared of running out of money than of dying
Bethan Moorcraft cites a “remarkable” statistic from a recent survey conducted by life insurance giant Allianz Life– 61% of respondents expressed a fear of going broke in retirement. Perhaps worse is that many still are not taking the necessary steps…
Beware Uncle Sam AND state income taxes on Social Security
The federal government isn’t the only entity that might take a piece of your Social Security benefits. Some states tax benefits too, reducing income and purchasing power for retirees. Selena Maranjian lists the twelve but notes each state does it…
Key Piece of Social Security Information for All
Don’t file for Social Security benefits at the wrong time. So says Maurie Backman in this piece. Contrary to popular belief and what a majority of Americans do, starting benefits at age 62 does NOT entitle one to full retirement…
See What Income Tax on Social Security Looks Like
Retirees are often stunned to find they must pay income tax on Social Security benefits. Martin Dasko notes it’s important to plan for this fact and to consider the implications of your retirement age and other income streams when managing…
Do the Math Before Claiming Social Security
Claim at 62 and forget about it seems to sum up what a majority of Americans do with Social Security. Pity. They leave so much money on the table. Maurie Backman emphatically notes everyone must consider all the scenarios and…
The Skinny on Divorced Folks Collecting Social Security on an Ex’s Salary History
Mark Rapport covers a topic that is often confusing to people. The Social Security Administration (SSA) lays out some specific conditions to make a claim on an ex-spouse’s Social Security benefits. In short, the SSA says you must have been married…
Who Should Be Concerned With Social Security’s Future?
Everyone is the answer to who should be concerned with the future of Social Security’s finances, though the existence of the program itself is not in jeopardy. Maurie Backman cites a recent survey by Allianz that found that 80% of Americans are…