retirement
Social Security Reform: A “Rocks and Hard Places” Story
Everyone who has been tracking the progression toward insolvency facing Social Security knows the broad scenario…without Congressional action, the Trust Fund reserves reach zero in less than a decade from now and benefits face an across-the-board cut of more than…
Retired and still working? What happens to your Social Security benefits?
The U.S. Department of Labor reported recently that labor force participation by those in the 65 to 74 age group stood at 17% in 1994 and was projected to increase 73% by 2024. While that’s a significant indicator of what’s…
Thoughts for Those Struggling on Social Security as Their Primary Income Source
The absence of adequate savings to compensate for the shortfalls between Social Security benefits and living expense is a problem widely covered in the media, especially as Social Security’s looming solvency crisis grinds forward. In fact, for the 12% to…
Formula Changes–and an Adjustment–in the Wind for WEP-affected Retirees?
A post today on myfederalretirement.com highlights the reintroduced legislation to reform Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). As the post explains, the bill (H.R. 4260) would provide a $150/month payment to those WEP-affected retirees currently in drawing benefits, and would…
The On-Going “When to File” Debate…Another Perspective
One of the most persistent questions we receive here at the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service is deceptively simple: “When should I begin drawing my earned Social Security benefit?” And as frustrating as it may seem to our callers,…
Retirement Thinking: Is A Half-Million Dollars Enough?
To many people, having a half million dollars set aside for retirement sounds like it should be sufficient to ensure a reasonable retirement. But is it? In order to answer that question, there are a number of factors that need…
There’s a clear advantage to claiming Social Security at a certain age.
Are you aware that the age you file for your Social Security benefits matters? You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62 but at a reduced amount. However, if you delay taking your benefits…
Social Security comes with its own rules and stipulations
Retirement planning involves coordinating your retirement savings vehicles, such as pensions, annuities, 401(k), IRAs, Thrift Savings Plans, and Social Security. Most individuals who have paid FICA taxes on their wages may qualify for Social Security benefits based on their own…
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…
Social Security Cuts Coming. Advice is Bulletproof Retirement NOW
The Social Security cuts of 23% across the board coming in 2033 (give or take) is little news to those who follow that news, but it is understandably news to others. Financial experts have advice for those getting ready for…