What you should know about the most recent cost-of-living adjustment. On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2021. This adjustment will begin with benefits … [Read more...]

Here are some things you might consider before saying goodbye to 2020. What has changed for you in 2020? For many, this year has been as complicated as learning a new dance. Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? That’s one step. Did you retire? There’s another step. Did you start a … [Read more...]

How much do you know about the different coverage options? Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, give yourself plenty of time. You may discover that it is much more complex than an employer-sponsored group … [Read more...]

Looking ahead can help you master these unique obstacles. When it comes to retirement, some women face obstacles that can make saving for retirement a challenge. Women typically earn less than their male counterparts and often take time out of the workforce to care for children or other family … [Read more...]

A few things you may want to think about before filing for benefits. Determining when to take Social Security benefits is a complicated financial decision. Here are a few things to think about and discuss with your financial professional. How long do you think you will live? If you have a … [Read more...]

It depends on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. "Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years. So I have to chuckle a bit when I see headlines that say, "Here's how much money Americans think they … [Read more...]

How do these investment approaches differ? Ever heard the term “strategic investing”? How about “tactical investing”? At a glance, you might assume that both these phrases describe a similar investment approach.  While each approach involves the periodic adjustment of a portfolio and … [Read more...]

Investors and homebuyers take note. Lately, it can feel like each day brings a new headline about fluctuating market behavior. But amid the ups and downs of 2020, there may be some potential good news on the horizon. On July 16, 2020, the interest rate for a 30-year home loan had fallen to 2.98%. … [Read more...]

Examining a long-held retirement planning assumption. A classic retirement planning rule states that you should retire on 80% of the income you earned in your last year of work. Is this old axiom still true, or does it need reconsidering? Some new research suggests that retirees may not need … [Read more...]

Whether you want to leave work at 62, 67, or 72, claiming the retirement benefits you are entitled to by federal law is no casual decision. You will want to consider a few key factors first. How long do you think you will live? If you have a feeling you will live into your nineties, for … [Read more...]