Retirement

By Nancy Collamer, Next Avenue American workers are heading back to the office. Nearly half of employers expect to reopen their workplaces during the third quarter of 2021, and an additional 25% hope to do so by the end of the year, according to a recent Gartner IT survey of 258 HR leaders. For some, the return to

Today’s column addresses questions about the earnings test, working and filing early, withdrawing a benefit after filing for it and proving marriage to and divorce from a deceased ex-spouse. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and the founder and president of Economic Security Planning, Inc, which markets Maximize My Social Security

According to the most recent report, from 2020, the Medicare HI (Hospital Insurance, or Part A) Trust Fund is projected to be emptied in the year 2026. That’s well before the Social Security Trust Fund’s projected insolvency in 2034, and when that happens, Medicare will only be able to pay 90% of Part A benefits,

Inflation in the United States has been mostly modest since 1982. That means that for 40 years, Americans have not had to worry much about the price of goods and services changing from year to year or the devaluation of the U.S. Dollar. However, signs are pointing to the possibility of inflation soon, so it

At a friend’s BBQ the other day, I was approached by a soon-to be-retiree. Normally, I get cornered at social gatherings by folks looking for a hot stock tip or my thoughts on cryptocurrency. This gentleman, however, came with a much different intention. He wished to discuss his current predicament, a strong concern about inflation

Mortgage forbearance temporarily eliminated your mortgage payment obligation, which may have saved you from foreclosure, but you are now back on your feet and facing repayment options. One of those options, offered by both Fannie Mae FNMA and Freddie Mac, is deferral of the payments that had been missed. This is explained by Freddie Mac

As the world begins to come out the other side of the pandemic crisis of the past year-and-a-half, some of the most appealing options for living and retiring overseas are open for business. Here are six places where you could retire overseas today… #1: Mexico Mexico is an American’s most accessible retire-overseas option. Depending where

Today’s column addresses questions about whether it’s always possible to delay spousal benefits after taking retirement benefits, whether benefits can be suspended after they convert from SSDI to retirement at full retirement age and effects of lump sum non-covered pensions payments. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and the founder and

By Richard Eisenberg, Next Avenue Editor The Beverley Schottenstein $80 million elder financial fraud story is one you won’t believe. But, as my “Friends Talk Money” podcast co-hosts and I explained in our two latest episodes, it’s one you need to know about to protect your parents from becoming victims themselves. Schottenstein, 94, recently won $19

By Jim Campbell, Next Avenue Editor’s note: In his new book, “Madoff Talks,” investigative reporter Jim Campbell probes the $65 billion investment fraud perpetuated by the late Bernie Madoff, the largest Ponzi scheme in history. The book features Madoff’s handwritten letters and emails to Campbell, explaining how he pulled off the con, plus interviews with Madoff’s wife

The pandemic has caused many people to assess their priorities, and if you are considering retiring earlier than originally planned, you aren’t alone. Whether your job has changed due to COVID and is no longer as appealing or you’d simply like more time to spend with family, leaving the workplace before age 65 may suddenly

Introduction President Biden released his administration’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2022. While spending focuses on infrastructure, clean energy, etc., it includes a host of proposed tax changes affecting individuals and corporations. Some of the significant tax changes that many taxpayers hoped wouldn’t happen, like Senator Van Hollen’s taxation on transfers and death, are included.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a scientific age of retirement? We could just announce how many years people should work before they get decent pensions. Unionized workers and their employers kind of do that. “Thirty and out” is the deal for unionized coal miners in the United Mine Workers Union. You get a

I’m not a couples therapist, but I am one of many financial advisors who’ve heard, “This has been better for us than couples counseling,” after a productive financial advisory meeting. With more than half of marriages ending in divorce, and with disagreements over money listed as the leading cause, it’s no wonder that if you

If you received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, but did not deduct payroll expenses on your 2020 tax return, this is what you need to know. First, the IRS completely changed its guidance on deductibility of 2020 expenses due to the enactment of legislation in late 2020 (see “Current Law,” below). Second, taxpayers who

As Americans get older we can count on two things: more Americans will be cognitively impaired and losses to financial fraud will increase. According to a new Federal Trade Commission report,  the average loss due to financial fraud to people over 80 is the highest of any loss due to financial fraud of any other

What you’ve done in the past isn’t enough for the future. That which has differentiated you enough to become successful thus far in your career likely isn’t sufficient to set you apart and perpetuate your success going forward. At one point, pushing product for a recognizable company gave you an edge. Then, being an asset

Have you ever thought that the IRS could use some help, that is, to improve services to taxpayers? Would you like to make a difference on behalf of your fellow taxpayers? Taxpayers may not realize it (or might not even believe it), but there is a way they can get involved at a meaningful level

Your estate plan is much more likely to be successful when you recognize and avoid the most common mistakes and take some key actions that often are overlooked. Most estate planners will tell you that the same estate planning mistakes and oversights recur with frequency, whether an estate is worth a billion dollars, a few

If you have any interest in having the IRS hear your voice, there are two mechanisms. One is the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), which is a volunteer effort with a three-year commitment. Another means of getting through to the IRS is the yearly Priority Guidance Plan (PGP). As the new year for the IRS begins