savings
Shifting away from saving to spending in retirement
Retirement planning is not always about hitting a specific number, but it’s about creating certainty. “For decades, retirement planning has centered on reaching a specific account balance, but as clients near retirement, that benchmark often fails to address a more…
Debt relief strategies may protect your Social Security
The number of seniors in debt has been on the rise, with 97 percent of Americans aged 66 to 71 carrying an average non-housing debt of over $11,349. Carrying debt into retirement can feel overwhelming for those on a fixed…
Will inflation derail your retirement?
Twenty-five percent of the study recipients in Northwestern Mutual’s 2026 Planning & Progress Study stated that they are concerned about inflation and how it will affect their retirement. And the experts agree, “They’re right to worry, pros say. “Inflation can…
Who Will Solve Social Security’s Financial Crisis?
Congress has been kicking this can down the road for a long time. For several decades, the Trustees of Social Security have warned, in their annual report to Congress, that Social Security is facing a financial crisis. For many years,…
Claiming too Early Could Hurt Your Spouse Later
Deciding when to claim Social Security is always a challenge, and far too many make that decision without fully understanding the consequences. It’s confusing, especially since there is a window of about 8 years during which you can claim SS…
A Misguided Approach to Solving Social Security’s Financial Issue
In this somewhat scathing indictment, noted economist Alicia Munnell discusses a proposal by U.S. Senators Cassidy and Kaine to solve the Social Security program’s financial woes through borrowed funding. The so-called Cassidy-Kaine Proposal suggests that the federal government borrow $1.5…
The Financial Status of Social Security
Is Social Security really “going broke?” Well, it is not, because SS benefits will always be there as long as American’s are working and contributing to the program. But Social Security IS facing financial issues in about 6 years because…
Claiming SS early? Beware of the “Earnings Test”
Claiming Social Security at any time after age 62, while continuing to work, can seem like a great way to enhance your monthly income and make life a bit more comfortable. After all, you’ve worked an entire career contributing to…
Discussing Social Security’s Financial Issues
There is much discussion these days about Social Security: Is it “going broke?” Are my future benefits at risk? Will there be a benefit cut soon? If so, when? All of these are valid questions which every senior should stay…
Claiming SS at 62 vs. Waiting Longer
Age 62 is the most popular age at which to claim Social Security benefits but, as explained in this article at The Globe and Mail, claiming at age 62 also means getting a much smaller benefit for the rest of…