When it comes to Social Security benefits, the author of today’s article points out an unfortunate reality: “Many retirees are depending on their benefits for a substantial source of income, yet they don’t fully understand how to maximize those monthly checks.” She proceeds to outline a little-known Social Security strategy for couples that, while perhaps not a pleasant one to…
$3.4 trillion. According to a new study, that’s how much retirees have lost, and are losing, by not making the optimal decision when it comes to when to claim Social Security benefits. That’s $111,000 per household! According to the study, “the average Social Security recipient would get 9% more income in retirement by making the ‘financially optimal’ decision about when…
When it comes to determining when to start claiming Social Security, the author of today’s article notes that “few decisions are as financially consequential…or as hard.” As such, he attempts to provide some Social Security claiming guidance based on the findings of some new studies. Why does one new study conclude that postponing claiming Social Security may be even more…
While inflation may currently be low, the author of today’s article warns that “this makes the possibility of an inflation threat going forward even more likely.” Moreover, she notes that health care costs are rising faster than inflation. All of this poses a particular threat to retirees relying on sources of income that lack inflation protection. As such, the author…
When it comes to traditional long-term care insurance, the author of today’s article acknowledges that “for the typical retired couple in the United States, $3,200 a year is a meaningful expense. Especially when they are paying for something that they might never use.” As such, he provides an overview of how the insurance industry has changed over the last several…
Everyone loves surprises – but not when you are a retiree and the surprise is the size of your Social Security check. Today’s article cites a recent survey which found that, for 29 percent of retirees, their benefit ended up being less or much less than expected. Moreover, the survey found that many pre-retirees are simply guessing as to how…
“Companies are willing to concede quite a bit – but people need to know what retirement benefits to ask for and how to ask,” states today’s article, which examines the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to negotiating a retirement package. From approaching negotiations as a battle rather than as “a collaborative conversation”, to focusing on money at the…
“Americans running their own businesses wear many hats… [including] that of retirement benefits coordinator,” states today’s article. “If you’re an independent contractor or an entrepreneur, you have to fend for yourself when it comes to benefits, including retirement planning….” As such, the author outlines two retirement-planning vehicles for the self-employed – solo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs – and the benefits…