seniors
Social Security changes coming in April
Well, 2025 is proving to be a strange and stressful year for the Social Security Administration. Millions of Americans will see their Social Security checks, and some will receive one for the first time, an increase shortly due to the…
Take steps to avoid a surprise tax bill
“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin It is easier to pay your taxes while working; taxes are withheld from each paycheck. However, for retirees, you will pay federal income taxes on your benefits if your combined…
About Announced Social Security Changes to Reduce Fraud
There have been many articles published about a recent announcement by the Social Security Administration requiring certain people to provide in-person proof of their identity. Many of the public media accounts have been misleading or confusing, sometimes written with a…
Healthcare costs in retirement
The cost of healthcare can be challenging at any age; however, in retirement, potential healthcare needs and out-of-pocket costs could narrow your options when it comes time to pay the bills. The Jackson National Life Insurance company released a new…
Retiring at age 80
Retiring at 80? Although it is not common practice, some individuals work longer because they enjoy it. Unfortunately, other individuals need to build their financial security. So, if you plan on retiring later in life, what are things you need…
Fighting Social Security Fraud Surprisingly Controversial
When did efforts to fight fraud become a political “hot potato?” Well, don’t let it ever be said that even the most obvious improvement plan is immune to political criticism, because that seems to be exactly what is happening now.…
SS Disability: Can the IRS Garnish your benefit?
The short answer is yes – the IRS can garnish your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit if you owe back taxes. But this would likely be something of a last resort to collect back taxes which are long overdue…
Retirement Planning and Social Security go hand in hand
Planning for retirement can be a sometimes daunting event, but something which is exactly the right way to secure your future. Some employers still offer a traditional “defined benefit” retirement plan, though these seem to be losing favor in American…
Social Security Fairness Act: Update
About 3.2 million people were affected by enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act in early January 2025. The media coverage of this event has many Social Security recipients wondering if their personal benefits will be affected. Here at the…
Don’t forget healthcare when planning your retirement
Of course, healthcare in the form of coverage for doctor visits and medical tests are, for most Americans, substantially covered by Medicare and/or Medicare Advantage plans from private insurers. But reality is that Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and a potentially…