retirement
Why some Americans claim benefits early
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62; however, you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. And, if you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age…
Keep these Medicare rules on your radar if you’re about to sign up
Medicare is the federal health insurance program generally for people who are 65 or older. Medicare has recent rules on when to sign up, how much you pay, and how the program works. Many people who are retiring do not…
How people will be impacted by Social Security cuts
In 2023, an average of almost 67 million Americans per month receive a Social Security benefit. Social Security is the major source of income for seniors. But the Social Security Trust Fund is in trouble if not resolved; there is…
Social Security rules can be complicated, many people don’t even realize when they made a mistake
Social Security benefits, on average, account for almost 40 percent of retirement income and, therefore, is an important source of income for most U.S. retirees. Social Security becomes more important the longer a person is retired, often accounting for 50…
Thoughts on the Pessimism Expressed by Gen Zers
It’s been widely reported that the Generation Z population cohort–those born in the 1997-2012 range–have a dismal view of Social Security’s future. In fact, according to MarketWatch reporter Alessandra Malito, “almost half of the people in that group don’t think…
Social Security’s Future–A Clear and Concise Synopsis
Media accounts of Social Security’s long-term viability frequently set forth a dismal picture, often using terms like “bankrupt” that generate either alarm or despair depending on one’s age and proximity to benefit eligibility. Those who follow this subject closely, of…
Working Longer to Increase Benefits–Some Points to Consider in the Argument
As the rhetoric on Social Security reform continues to percolate, one of the frequent topics in the debate is extending the amount of time in the workplace. Financial advisors typically cite the delayed retirement credit (DRC) as an avenue to…
Maximizing Benefits via a Bridging Strategy
Many folks looking ahead to the decision on when to begin drawing Social Security benefits often seek ways to make their eventual monthly payment as high as possible, and most financial advisors tell them it’s simple: wait until age 70.…
Raise the Retirement Age or Lower It? Gen Z and Millennials Weigh In
Many proposals to address the Social Security program’s evaporating financial reserves include a recommendation to add a few years to the full retirement age (FRA) provision, perhaps extending it as far as age 70 from its current age 67. Advocates…
SECURE 2.0 Offers Financial Opportunities for Retirees
It’s been around for a while now, but it’s always good to have a refresher on the provisions enacted in SECURE 2.0 and their potential benefit for those managing their retirement goals. For example, the changes to when required minimum…