Latest News
The Math Behind Your Social Security Benefit
Ever wonder how your Social Security benefit amount is (or will be) calculated? Or what steps you can take to maximize your benefit? Or how your monthly payment compares to those already drawing benefits? The Motley Fool’s Todd Campbell, in…
Looking Back on the 2016 Social Security Year
Most of the country’s Social Security beneficiaries didn’t experience much of a change in 2016 in the way the program works and, unfortunately, in the size of their monthly benefit check, but for others there were some substantial changes. It…
Calendar Update – The Official Benefits Payment Schedule for 2017
The Social Security Administration provides a full-year calendar to show beneficiaries when payments can be expected. An article by Selena Maranjian of the Motley Fool provides some background on the schedule, along with a link to the SSA’s actual calendar document.…
Ideas for Securing Your Retirement
Liz Weston, NerdWallet Columnist, provides some thoughts on developing a pathway to a secure financial future as you hurdle toward retirement. From the importance of having an emergency fund to setting up income streams, and touching on an assortment of…
Understanding the Claiming Rules in Divorce Situations
To say “it’s complicated” might be an understatement, so individuals involved in a divorce situation need to know the rules and parameters that govern who can file for what Social Security benefits. In an article posted on InvestmentNews.com, contributor Mary Beth…
A Glitch that is Costing Seniors Money
As we move the Medicare and Medicare Advantage health plans away from the fee-for-service system to a value-based system payment system, one unintended glitch has been discovered causing seniors to lose out on premium reductions. Read article here… Notice: The…
Medicare Advantage: Is it Right Plan for You?
Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part C plans have their advantages, such as eye care and gym membership coverage; however, is it the right plan for you? What if Medicare Supplement plan is better for you, where do you go to…
Social Security’s Fiscal Year 2016 Agency Financial Report
(Source: SSA.gov) SSA’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Agency Financial Report (AFR) is now available online. Our FY 2016 AFR provides information enabling Congress, the President, and the public to assess our stewardship of the financial resources entrusted to us, our…
Taking a Realistic look at “Retirement Anxiety”
Drawing on statistics and conclusions presented in a recent Merrill Lynch/Age Wave article titled “Leisure in Retirement: Beyond the Bucket List,” the Motley Fool’s Brian Stoffel offers hope that the “retirement crisis” so frequently trumpeted in the popular media may not be viewed…
Life-Expectancy and Your Planning Horizon
With the 85-and-older population continuing to expand, it’s clear that the traditional “plan for a 20-year retirement” approach is something that will lead many to ultimately experience a cash shortfall. In fact, the Society of Actuaries observes that one out…