retirement
Why only 8% wait until age 70
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age…
The true cost of health care
Let’s face it, Medicare will not cover all your health care needs in retirement. Plus, there is a cost associated with it. Suze Orman, financial expert, says many Americans underestimate this critical cost in retirement. What is it? Moneywise outlines…
Taking the necessary steps to avoid mistakes in retirement
Your retirement is almost here. Your plans to play more golf, visit the grandchildren, and just enjoy your life now that you are no longer accountable to a time clock. But before you start to celebrate, you need to avoid…
Is retirement unattainable?
A recent survey from TIAA Retirement Solutions found “the traditional goal of retiring between the ages of 65 and 70 is considered unattainable by two-thirds of Americans today, and many expect to work as long as their bodies will allow…
Western nations are addressing similar public pension challenges
The good news is that more than 74 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment starting in January 2026. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has just released the annual inflation rate at 3 percent, further…
Three main factors affect the size of your benefit amount
The Social Security Administration released the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on October 24th, and it also released the maximum Social Security benefit for 2026. The 2026 maximum benefit amount will be $5,251 per month; however, reaching the maximum amount can…
Do this by Nov. 19
On October 24th, the Social Security Administration announced the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) amount for 2026. Social Security recipients will see the 2.8 percent increase in their January check. However, if you cannot wait until that day, you need to…
Ask Rusty – Consider the “Wearing Out” Factor While Deciding When to Claim Social Security
Dear Rusty: Enjoyed your recent article on claiming SS benefits. I feel, however, any decision making should also include what I call the “wearing out” factor. Yes, financial need, health, and longevity are definite criteria for a decision. The inevitable…
What’s Happening With Retirement Confidence in the U.S.?
Recent surveys Charles Schwab and Fidelity reveal an alarming trend: Confidence in American’s ability to adequately prepare for retirement is falling. In fact, an Investopedia post by reporter Aaron McDade suggests that about a third of the 1,100 401 (k)…
How Years Out of the Workforce Impact Benefits
Future retirees who, for one reason or another, have stepped away from the taxpaying workforce for extended periods need to be aware of the process for calculating their eventual Social Security benefits. Although often viewed as a bit arcane, this…