Social Security
Working During Retirement–Some Fresh Perspectives
The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman, in recapping the results of a recent Schwab study, reports that a surprising number of future retirees project that they will not need to work during their retirement years to supplement their income. Some will work…
Social Security and the Poverty Problem
In the wake of the recently-announced 2019 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), many seniors are breathing a sigh of relief over the largest increase in seven years. But while that’s a good thing, MarketWatch columnist Paul Brandus, in a post on www.marketwatch.com,…
A Quick Look at the New Numbers for 2019
The Motley Fool’s Sean Williams, in a post yesterday on www.fool.com, takes a look at recently-announced 2019 COLA decision, and takes a look at the payroll tax numbers projected for next year. Interestingly, his article touches on the oft-repeated question of…
Securing Your Retirement Means Sidestepping Blunders
According to a post by The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman, there are three common mistakes that lead to financial insecurity later in life. IN her article she defines these three areas, and offers conjecture on ways to sidestep them to avoid problems…
Medicare “homebound requirement” for Home Health Benefits Addressed in S. 3545
Last week, the Home Health Payment Innovation Act — S. 3545–was introduced with an objective of amending the Social Security Act to “loosen” the homebound stipulations governing the eligibility for home health care benefits for Medicare Advantage participants. HOme Health Care…
Widow(er) Benefits and Delayed Retirement Credits Explained
In a post on maximizemysocialsecurity.com, the firm’s analysts examine the question of how delayed retirement credits (DRCs) are applied to widow benefits, explaining how the full retirement rate a surviving spouse will receive is calculated when DRCs are involved. Check it…
The “Gig” Economy’s Downside
To many, the dream of making it big in the “gig” economy–where one handles assignments as a contractor or non-employee–seems like the preferred option to being “trapped” in the confines of a single employer situation. You know, if you decide…
Working Longer May Not Be the Answer
The retirement savings dilemma seems to be one of the most enduring topics covered in media outlets these days. From those approaching retirement with meager accumulated wealth to those forced out of careers just as they entered the “wealth accumulation”…
“Who do you trust?”
Tom Margenau called this piece “Who do you trust?” in response to a TV show first hosted by Johnny Carson. The piece addresses the fact that yes, some Social Security clerks make mistakes and misspeak when it comes to the…
What if Social Security paid “lump sums” to entice people to defer benefits?
This is a fascinating article written and based on research by Olivia Mitchell, a Wharton professor of business economics and public policy. First, Social Security is facing insolvency by 2034, meaning it will no longer be able to pay benefits in full…