Social Security
Pre-retirees acknowledge Social Security & pensions may not be enough
Amanda Umpierrez, citing new research on alternative income options, writes that workers nearing retirement are increasingly skeptical that Social Security and pensions will be enough to keep them secure. Many are looking to add savings from 401(k) funds, IRAs, and annuities…
Social Security 2019: What You Need to Know
While no new legislation has passed this year that changes the fundamentals of the Social Security program, a number of changes do go into effect automatically, mostly due to inflation adjustments. This article by Mary Hickey of Consumer Reports highlights the changes…
Student Loan Debt & Retirement: A Tough Combo
As if coping with the normal expenses of daily are not enough, Katie Brockman reports that about one-third of baby boomers are not saving any significant income toward retirement due to student loan debt. But it should not be an either/or choice. Since…
Age 60 without retirement savings? Do 3 things now
The good news is Americans in their 60s have a median retirement savings balance of $172,000. But enough older workers have little or zero in their 401k or IRA accounts. Maurie Backman advises these folks take three steps now: 1.) Start maxing out your…
Saving enough for retirement? Find out sooner rather than later.
It’s difficult to save for retirement, and that’s particularly true the further away retirement is. Reg flag warning. You may not be saving enough for retirement if any of the following three are true: 1.) You’re not contributing enough to your…
Social Security & The Marshmallow Test
It’s a classic. Do you eat a marshmallow now or wait for a guaranteed, bigger one later? So it is also with the decision of when to take Social Security benefits. Indeed, consuming now means having less money later. Read the…
What to Fear Financially this Halloween Season
It’s October and thus a time to be afraid of ghosts and goblins, but when it comes to finances, writer Russ Wiles of The Arizona Republic puts in perspective what we should fear versus what is overblown. Wiles discusses stock…
The Myth of “Greedy Geezers” & Social Security
The line goes something like this: The old are sucking all the blood from Social Security, leaving the young with nothing to count on when they will retire.” But it’s not so according to Teresa Ghilarducci writing in Forbes Magazine. …
Consider your spouse when electing to take Social Security
Dan Caplinger stresses the importance of a married couple taking into account spousal benefits before electing to take Social Security too early. Claiming benefits at any time before age 70 will yield a lower benefit than otherwise waiting. If single…
Mum’s the Word on Social Security this Campaign Season — But why?
Jeff Szymanski works in political communications at The Association of Mature American Citizens. He wrote this piece to explain why the Social Security issue is absent from this year’s campaign. You would think with Social Security running a deficit (spending more on benefits than it is…