A question we hear often is “Is it possible to increase my Social Security benefits?” The answer is yes, there are 3 basic ways you can boost your benefits; work more years, earn more in annual income, and claim benefits later. [1 - Work More Years]- Social security benefits are…
Most Americans who turn 65 are eligible for Medicare, a federal program that covers many health expenses for seniors. But the program is complicated. Here are 5 important facts you need to know: First - Medicare is not free. Of the 4 parts, Part A - Hospital Insurance - is…
Many people believe Social Security will pay for their retirement, but Social Security was designed to be just a complement to a pension and investments. So don’t rely only on Social Security for your retirement because it probably won’t be enough to maintain your current lifestyle. However, planning for your…
If you're like most people, most of the time, you focus your financial efforts on maximizing your current income. But it's also important to plan ahead for the benefit of your spouse if you should pass away. Here are some tips for how to do that. First, carefully consider joint…
You might be asking yourself, "When should I retire? Should I retire early or defer it?" Deciding when to retire may not be just one decision, but a series of decisions and calculations. For example, you’ll need to estimate not only your anticipated expenses but also what sources of retirement…
Here are some tips to help you lessen your tax burden at the end of the year. First, Be aware of any tax changes that will take place in the new year so you can use them to your advantage. Review your cost basis so you can make informed decisions…
As life expectancy has grown, your retirement now can last between 20 and 30 years. So Social Security planning is critical, no matter how much money you have. It can make a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars. For example, if you retire at age 62 and pass away…
Statistics say there is a seventy percent chance that you or your spouse will experience a need for long-term care! Long-term care includes a range of services and supports you may need to meet your personal care needs. Most long-term care is not medical care, but rather assistance with the…