seniors
Are higher taxes the only solution to Social Security insolvency?
We are all aware – I hope you are – that the Social Security Trust fund will be depleted by the end of 2033, forcing benefit cuts of 20 percent in 2034 if Congress cannot find a solution. So, what…
The clock is ticking for Congress
According to American writer Jack Kornfield, “The trouble is you think you have time.” The reality is we do not. Congress has until 2033 to come to a bipartisan agreement about Social Security, or there will be an automatic cut…
It’s all about realistic expectations
Social Security is a primary income source for most people aged 65 and older. You can start your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, if you start to receive your benefits early, your monthly Social Security…
What the five GOP candidates said about raising the retirement age
During the 3rd Republican candidates’ debate, the third rail of American politics – Social Security- was discussed. The difference in the approach of the five attending candidates in solving the Social Security and Medicare insolvency issue was on display. The…
Spousal benefits from Social Security
Being married comes with benefits – Social Security benefits – that is. When a worker files for retirement benefits, the worker’s spouse may be eligible for a benefit based on the worker’s earnings. The spousal benefit can be as much…
Can better communication between spouses lead to more retirement savings?
New research shows that married couples who do not communicate with their spouse about saving for retirement lose, on average, almost $700 in savings every year. The study found that “24 percent of couples failed to coordinate their contributions to…
There’s more to consider when deciding to begin your Social Security benefits
Social Security is a primary income source for most people aged 65 and older. Without Social Security benefits, 37.7 percent of older adults would have incomes below the poverty line. Social Security is the cornerstone of many retirees’ income, so…
What to know about managing Medicare Part B premiums
In October, the Social Security Administration announced the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 3.2 percent, with the average Social Security benefit going up $50. Later, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 monthly Part B premium…
Claiming as soon as possible could hurt your finances in more ways than one
You can start your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, if you start receiving benefits early, they are permanently reduced. Although there are times when starting your benefits at 62 is a good idea, if you…
Women and retirement savings
“Women are more likely to live in poverty in retirement than are men,” according to the Women’s Bureau of the Department of Labor. Statistically, “11.6 percent of women aged 65 or more years live in poverty, compared with 8.8 percent…