savings
Medicare “Open Enrollment” is now – Here’s how to save money!
The annual Medicare “Open Enrollment period is upon us, starting on October 15th and running through December 7th. This is the time of the year when you can change your Medicare coverage, and it is the best time to evaluate…
Going back to the basics
Many people are afraid of cuts to Medicare and Social Security. According to a new survey by NerdWallet, 70 percent of Medicare recipients are concerned that their benefits will be reduced in their lifetime. “When you have worries like this,…
Preserving your purchasing power
We have all heard the phrase “purchasing power,” but what does it mean to the average pre- and post-retiree? Purchasing power is “the value or buying capacity of your fixed retirement income in the face of inflation.” We have also…
Determining your retirement savings needs
Some leading retirement experts have said that two million dollars is generally enough to retire comfortably. But do you really need that much saved for retirement? Everyone’s idea of retirement is different, so should their retirement savings; however, there are…
National HSA day
Although Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are not officially recognized as retirement savings accounts, they can be used to supplement retirement savings in various ways. In honor of National HSA Day, October 15th, the Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA) has…
Bring your retirement strategy up to speed
The only thing constant is change – Heraclitus. That can also be said about retirement planning. The world is evolving, so should your retirement strategies. The same old strategies that served our parents simply do not apply in today’s economy.…
A shifting retirement landscape
The recently released Vanguard Retirement Outlook analysis found that “if all workers had access to a defined contribution plan, retirement readiness would rise to 61 percent.” However, the U.S. retirement system has undergone a structural shift where defined benefit plans…
Claim Social Security at age 62? Or 67?
Deciding when to claim your Social Security benefits is often a confusing choice, which tends to make many just claim as soon as they become eligible at age 62. But what do you forfeit by claiming at age 62, versus…
Retirement planning isn’t just about the numbers!
Advice from financial experts seems to be quite plentiful on the internet, offering techniques to earnestly save so that you can retire in comfort. Such factors as “having ten times your salary,” and the so-called “4% rule” are two of…
The High Cost of Healthcare!!!
We all know that healthcare costs rise over time, especially as we age. So the news that higher Medicare premiums, deductibles, and surcharges are expected to go up over the next decade is hardly new news. But what may be…