retirement
Planning for beginning your Social Security benefits
When you are ready to start your Social Security benefits you have to plan on a month without a payment. Social Security pays one month behind. For example, if you start your benefits in June, you won’t receive your first…
Expanding retirement plan coverage
With only 50 percent of employees covered by a retirement plan, closing the retirement gap is a work in progress. Due to the different kinds of workers, access to plans and the ability to save is a challenge, especially for…
Healthcare costs in retirement
The cost of healthcare can be challenging at any age; however, in retirement, potential healthcare needs and out-of-pocket costs could narrow your options when it comes time to pay the bills. The Jackson National Life Insurance company released a new…
Retiring at age 80
Retiring at 80? Although it is not common practice, some individuals work longer because they enjoy it. Unfortunately, other individuals need to build their financial security. So, if you plan on retiring later in life, what are things you need…
Fighting Social Security Fraud Surprisingly Controversial
When did efforts to fight fraud become a political “hot potato?” Well, don’t let it ever be said that even the most obvious improvement plan is immune to political criticism, because that seems to be exactly what is happening now.…
SS Disability: Can the IRS Garnish your benefit?
The short answer is yes – the IRS can garnish your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit if you owe back taxes. But this would likely be something of a last resort to collect back taxes which are long overdue…
Retirement Planning and Social Security go hand in hand
Planning for retirement can be a sometimes daunting event, but something which is exactly the right way to secure your future. Some employers still offer a traditional “defined benefit” retirement plan, though these seem to be losing favor in American…
Social Security Fairness Act: Update
About 3.2 million people were affected by enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act in early January 2025. The media coverage of this event has many Social Security recipients wondering if their personal benefits will be affected. Here at the…
Don’t forget healthcare when planning your retirement
Of course, healthcare in the form of coverage for doctor visits and medical tests are, for most Americans, substantially covered by Medicare and/or Medicare Advantage plans from private insurers. But reality is that Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and a potentially…
State-by-State Average Social Security Payments
How does your monthly Social Security check compare to others, like you, who reside in your state? Fact is, according to over 75% of those collecting benefits, Social Security is an important part of their retirement income. Indeed, for some…