Social Security benefits

While tax reform has been a mixed bag for muni bonds, a few factors working in their favor include constrained supply this year, as well as historically low defaults.

There are hundreds of claiming strategies — using the wrong one can have major repercussions.

A small group will actually pay less in premiums because the cost-of-living adjustment in their Social Security benefits next year won’t be large enough to cover the premium increase.

Compared with college-educated professionals, high school educated workers retire earlier because their jobs are physically demanding and less appealing for aging workers.

The average beneficiary will receive $39 more a month next year.

The SSA may tell your clients they can’t use this filing strategy. But author and consultant Brian Doherty says the agency is wrong.

Seniors will have to pay income taxes on a certain portion of their benefits if their taxable income plus 50% of the benefits exceed a certain threshold.

Some can expect an increase in their tax bill thanks to Social Security income taxes and higher Medicare premiums.

Certain clients may consider donating directly from their IRAs.

Other groups, such as those who used to itemize tax deductions but will now use the high standard deduction, are also advised to check their withholding taxes.