Social Security offers several different types of benefits to the survivors of deceased beneficiaries, but widow and widower benefits are the type of survivor benefits that affect the most beneficiaries. Though it can be unpleasant to think about you or your spouse dying, it’s a good idea for married couples to include widow or widower…
Retirement Planning Articles
4 Big Ways Your Social Security Benefits are Getting Smaller
This year marked a rather significant increase in benefits for those receiving Social Security. The 2018 COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) was one of the largest in the past decade, giving retirement beneficiaries an extra 2% on their checks (the most significant jump since 2012.) Unfortunately, there are forces at work that can easily chip…
How Much Money Is Enough To Retire?
If you ask ten different people how much money is enough to retire, you can expect ten different answers. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the idea of what makes a comfortable or good retirement varies based on personal goals and preferences. The truth is, there’s no magic number that will serve as a…
Do You Need to Pay Taxes on Your Social Security Benefits?
Tax season always brings about a bit of panic, as those who are getting Social Security benefits may be filing their first return since they started receiving payments. These payments, while a welcome addition to their financial support system, can feel uncertain (or even a bit burdensome) as the issue of tax liability comes to…
How Your Government Pension May Impact Your Social Security Benefits
Retirees who are entitled to a government pension can have an unpleasant surprise waiting for them when they apply for their Social Security benefits. Two different Social Security provisions for retired government workers—the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision—can reduce the amount of your Social Security benefit checks. If you are eligible for…
5 Options to Explore If You Don’t Have Enough to Retire
Approaching retirement should be an exciting time for you. This is it: the goal you’ve been working towards since you took your first job is finally on the horizon. But what if you don’t have enough to retire? In that case, any feelings of excitement or happiness can quickly turn into fear, even panic. You…
Could You Qualify for Retroactive Lump Sum Social Security Retirement Benefits?
For retirees who wait until after their full retirement age before filing for benefits, a little-known Social Security claiming strategy can potentially offer them a lump sum of up to six-months’ worth of retroactive benefits—which can be a boon for any retiree who might need a sudden injection of cash. Here’s what you need to…
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