seniors
Break-even is not the only factor you should consider
You can apply for Social Security benefits as early as age 62. However, you will receive full benefits only when you file for your benefit at your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits until age 70, your…
Don’t get complacent about your retirement planning
Despite all the noise about America’s retirement savings crisis, according to the recent EBRI’s Retirement Confidence Survey, there is little evidence of a widespread retirement crisis. However, this is not universal; some retirees are struggling. Steve Vernon, writing for Forbes,…
The exhaustion of the Social Security trust fund is rapidly approaching
The Social Security program celebrated its 90th anniversary last year, and it continues to pay monthly benefits to retired workers and survivors of deceased workers. However, the future of this invaluable program may soon be reduced, but not bankrupt, as…
The Role of Life Expectancy in Retirement Decisions
Right now is a good time to focus on an important question which affects your future – When should I take my Social Security benefits? While there are a number of factors to consider when making that decision, don’t overlook…
When you claim Social Security determines how much you receive
About two-thirds of those who claim Social Security do so before reaching their SS full retirement age (FRA). Your FRA depends on the year you were born but, for most claiming SS these days, FRA is between age 66 and…
Great Progress at the Social Security Administration
Now only one year into his appointment as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Frank Bisignano has made an indelibly positive mark on this federal agency so crucial to Americans. Customer service levels have improved dramatically even in the face…
Retirement Savings and You
It’s a sad, but true, reality – most entering retirement do not have enough saved for that monumental lifestyle change! Financial advisors say you should have at least 10 times your final annual salary saved for retirement, but precious few…
The Clock is Ticking for Social Security Solvency
Lest we forget, this article provides an excellent treatise about Social Security’s looming financial issues, now forecast to come to pass in about six short years. Don’t panic! That doesn’t mean that Social Security is going away (as in “bankrupt)…
Using your online “my Social Security” account
For many seniors, using today’s digital tools can seem intimidating. The internet feels like an alien presence, fraught with lurking dangers we don’t care to be exposed to. But the Social Security Administration has gone to great lengths to make…
Increasing your Monthly Social Security Payment
Well, who doesn’t want more in the monthly Social Security check? Very few, of course, and there are a few ways to increase your SS payments. This article describe a few “lesser known” rules which you can use to get…