The purpose of your retirement fund is to help provide the income you need to live financially independent in retirement, whatever “financially independent” means to you. Without structure and planning for your funds, that goal can become more and more distant. It doesn’t just happen on its own. It takes careful planning and years, if…
Retirement Planning Articles
9 Things You May Need to Know Before Claiming Social Security Retirement Benefits
Most Americans look forward to the day that they can start claiming Social Security Retirement Income. In fact, many aren’t just looking forward to it; they are depending on it! The Office of Retirement and Disability Policy recently reported that 62% of aged beneficiaries received at least half of their income from Social Security in…
The Pros & Cons of Increasing Your Social Security Benefits by Continuing to Work
Many older Americans talk about their Social Security Retirement Benefits. What they often don’t address, however, is how they earned them. Most people know that your benefit payments are tied to your lifetime earnings and how long you waited to take them, but they don’t know anything more specific about how they work. Benefit payments…
Social Security Claiming Options for Singles
Single retirees can sometimes feel left out of the Social Security conversation, since it seems to focus solely on how married couples can make the most of their benefits. But it’s a mistake to assume that there are no Social Security claiming strategies to maximize benefits for solo retirees. The fact of the matter is…
Qualifying for Social Security Spousal Benefits if You Are Divorced or Widowed
As a woman, you are probably aware that you are statistically expected to outlive your husband. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2015 Mortality Report, the average woman in the United States will live to age 81.2 years, and the average man will live 76.3 years. That means you can expect to live…
Your 401(k) or IRA is Not a Retirement Plan
If you save in a 401(k) or IRA, congratulations! You’re taking a great step toward financial success and well-being, potentially using tax advantages through these accounts, or picking up free money as employer contributions. Undoubtedly, contributing to these retirement plans is a must if you want financial independence and stability down the road. However, “employer-sponsored…
Making the case for Social Security education in the workplace
I have been a proponent of financial education and wellness programs in the workplace for over 20 years. Over that time frame, more and more employers have recognized that financial education can be one of the most valuable employee benefits they can offer their employees. A more financially confident employee is often a more productive…
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