seniors
Can you get the maximum Social Security benefit?
Well, the probable answer is “no” because there is a pretty high bar to achieve that goal. Basically, you’d need to earn at least as much as the annual payroll tax cap for at least 35 years, pay Social Security…
Hard fact: Social Security must be reformed
To listen to candidates for federal office these days, one would get the impression that just leaving Social Security alone is a viable path forward. But it’s not, according to this sobering assessment by a Congressman speaking at a South…
Retirement planning – What can go wrong?
Your retirement plan is in place, but is there an iceberg in your path? Have you stress-tested your plan to ensure that it can withstand any unforeseen obstacles? Is there danger lurking ahead simply because you haven’t considered and planned…
What is the best age to claim Social Security?
It’s something of an age-old question but, curiously, one where the reality of when most people claim seems to conflict with the optimum age for them to do so. This Nasdaq article by Motely Fool’s Katie Brockman explains that while…
Payroll tax to fund long-term care
Washington state enacted the Long-Term Services and Support Act (WA Cares) three years ago to address the costs of providing long-term care to Washington residents. Beginning July 2026, each eligible person can access long-term care services and support costing- up…
Should you downsize
Many soon-to-be retirees think about whether they should be downsizing their homes. We all have heard the pros of downsizing, but does it make financial sense to do so? Nicole Spector outlines the current downsides of downsizing your home in…
Have you filed your taxes yet?
The 2023 federal tax filing deadline of April 15, 2024, is fast approaching; have you filed yet? Are you required to file a tax return? Yes, some Social Security recipients are not required to file; however, it will depend on…
Changing attitudes about retirement
Fidelity Investments released its latest State of Retirement Planning report highlighting changing attitudes about retirement. Led by the younger generation, two-thirds of the respondents are now more inclined to live intentionally by pursuing their passions and dreams in retirement. The…
Fixing SSA’s overpayment practices
As you may recall, the Social Security Administration has been under investigation for how they handled recouping overpayments from beneficiaries even when the government made the mistake. The newly appointed Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O’Malley said: “that in the…
Are you ready for retirement ?
You envision your retirement as endless golf games, pickleball, and traveling, but are you prepared financially for retirement? Nowadays, retirement could last 20 to 30 years; have you planned for your money to last this long? How do you know…