Posts Tagged ‘Social Security Changes’
Music Plays Instrumental Role in Healing Ailments
Hearing a familiar song from a happy period in your life, such as childhood, can instantly make you feel joyful. It’s as if you’re right back there — toe tapping, head bopping and singing along. Just as with our sight, smell and taste senses, positive auditory memories can enhance mood and transport us back to…
Read MoreThe Income Gap and the Economy
The income gap between the wealthy and the poor is widening in the U.S.1 Why does that matter? Because there are studies that indicate a wide swathe of income differentiation is not good for economic growth. In the years following the Great Recession, we often heard how slowly the economy was recovering. That was true…
Read MoreBanking Trends
In its recent 2018 Banking Industry Outlook report, Deloitte identified six key themes that are driving trends for financial institutions today:1 Redefining what makes for a positive customer experience Managing a myriad of technology platforms Mitigating cyber risk Adjusting to competition from fintech (financial technology) companies Aligning business strategy with regulatory compliance Reimagining the workforce…
Read MoreInflation: Expectations for 2018
It seems as if inflation has been biding its time. Since the financial crisis a decade ago, growth in prices and wages has been muted.1 However, many financial analysts believe that’s about to change. A jobs report from early March revealed continued hiring and a moderate increase in wages. The stock markets welcomed the news,…
Read MoreRetirement and Health Care Budgeting
When you estimate a budget for retirement income, remember that health care expenses are likely to be higher in the future than they are before you retire. According to recent analysis by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare beneficiaries must devote a substantial portion of their household income to cover expenses not covered by…
Read MoreEnrolling in Medicare
Unlike Social Security, the age for Medicare eligibility is the same for everyone: 65 years old, no matter what year you were born. If you have already filed for Social Security benefits by age 65, you will be automatically enrolled for Medicare. If not, your initial enrollment window begins three months before your 65th birthday…
Read MoreTax Preparation vs. Tax Planning. Here’s How You Could Save Thousands of Dollars in Taxes
Most Americans ignore the one thing that could help them save thousands of dollars in retirement. It’s called tax planning. Don’t miss Retirement Solutions Radio show, “Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning. Here’s How You Could Save Thousands of Dollars in Taxes” Listen Now! Our firm assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation of retirement strategies…
Read MoreA Look at How America Ranks
In his first year in office, President Trump has promoted his “America first” philosophy. This new focus, with its trade protectionism and tough stance on immigration, has somewhat changed the U.S. narrative on a world scale.1 Considering this new emphasis on America first, perhaps it’s worth looking at how the U.S. ranks on the world…
Read MoreThe Future of Medicare and Social Security
There is little doubt that Medicare and Social Security are important programs that help older Americans in retirement, particularly now that so many are living beyond previous life expectancy rates. In fact, past models for savings rates may be failing many older Americans, who represent the only demographic seeing significant increases in poverty rates in…
Read MoreWays to Avoid Financial Scams
According to a recent survey, about two-thirds of adults age 70 and older fall for online scammers. Here are some tips to remember about some of the latest frauds:1 Medicare does not employ “sales representatives.” Apple and Microsoft do not sell virus protection software for your computer. There is no African prince from Nigeria who…
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