Social Security benefits

A client dramatically increases her retirement income, thanks to guidance from her advisor.

“Public pension plans continue to bury their heads in the sand living in a time warp of decades-old actuarial assumptions,” says a former Connecticut state treasurer.

Seniors receiving pension payments should ensure that their tax withholding is enough to cover the tax liability on the income and avoid trouble with the IRS.

Contrary to what many people think, Social Security will continue to pay benefit payouts to future retirees even after the program exhausts its trust funds by 2034, says expert.

A portion of retirees’ Social Security benefits may be taxed at the federal level if their combined income exceeds a certain limit.

Consultant and author Brian Doherty explains why Social Security is in relatively good shape. In fact, his worst-case scenario isn't even possible until long after you’re dead.

One may have lots of disposable income, while the other may have to rely on taxable distributions.

Once the asset reserves of the twin trust funds become depleted, 79% of the benefits would be payable from the funds’ projected income at that time.

The gig economy ushered in a new way of working, which in turn has ushered in a new way of retiring.

The gap for brand-name prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries is likely to narrow down to 25% of drug costs from the scheduled 30% next year.

To avoid a hefty tax bill when taking withdrawals from retirement accounts, clients should consider holding their assets in three "tax buckets.”

Filing for Social Security can be a wrong move if seniors are still employed and earning a wage income.

Some are forced to retire early because of disability, layoff and health issues, while others fear that the program will reduce future benefit payouts as a result of its financial woes.

Annuities can be qualified or non-qualified and are subject to different tax treatments. There are also estate tax consequences as well as tax penalties to consider.

If retirees intend to rely heavily on Social Security for income, they should consider adjusting the timing of their bills to the date that they will receive their benefits.

Mutual fund costs have fallen to 48 basis points in 2016 from 77 basis points in 2000 for plan participants, according to data from Investment Company Institute.

Rents have increased an average of 3% annually over the 14-year time period of the study, while incomes have declined .1% annually.

One strategy includes encouraging clients to wait until the age of 70 to start collecting Social Security benefits.

Whether the husband takes reduced benefits has no impact on the spousal rate, although it could effect potential widow's benefits, according to a Social Security expert.

Retirees should delegate the management of their finances to their children before they reach advance years and their health starts to decline.