savings
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…
Will I Get A 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)?
Traditionally, as we approach the 4th quarter each year, we have come to expect the announcement of various Social Security changes for the upcoming year. Probably the most highly anticipated of these changes is the annual Cost of Living Adjustment…
Demystifying Your Social Security Benefit
Winston Churchill famously described the Soviet Union as “a riddle inside an enigma wrapped in a mystery.” That may also be an appropriate way to describe your Social Security benefit, or so it seems when trying to understand how your…
A Strategy to Maximize Your Social Security
This Yahoo! Finance article explains how to maximize your Social Security benefits, possible adding another $300,000 to your total lifetime benefits. It suggests that delaying up to age 70 to claim your benefits is a smart move, vs. taking a…
Retirement Advice from an Expert
Dave Ramsey is one of America’s most famous financial gurus, dispensing retirement advice via his books, podcasts, and other media outlets. He’s not without his critics but, largely, even his critics acknowledge that he provides sound advice on retirement matters.…
The Value of Social Security Knowledge
Here at the AMAC Foundation[1], we are keenly aware that knowledge about Social Security will help everyone choose a course of action which is best for their financial wellbeing. At times, it is someone who is looking ahead to retirement…
Ask Rusty – Should my Spouse be getting half of my Social Security amount?
Dear Rusty: I was referred to you to ask a question about Social Security benefits. I receive about $1,700 a month from Social Security while my husband receives only approximately $750 monthly. Is he entitled to file for half of…