Social Security

Women are advised to double check their beneficiary information, update legal documents regularly and create a plan for long-term care.

Most respondents to an informal survey said they view Social Security as an income stream rather than as an asset. At least one expert disagrees.

Instead of buying one expensive car after another, clients should invest the money and let it grow. They may even be able to retire early.

Benefits are not capped at a predetermined level. They are based on two variables: a client’s highest earnings over 35 years and their age when they file for benefits.

Many fear that they will feel alienated and irrelevant after they retire, become a burden to their families, or their surviving spouse will go on retirement alone.

To really come out ahead from delaying Social Security, a client has to live past 80. Otherwise, it's probably better to take a reduced benefit earlier.

The odds that your clients will one day stay in an assisted living home increases 1.4% per year, starting at age 65.

Proceeds from selling their current home can be augmented with a "reverse mortgage for purchase," which doesn't have to be repaid until they sell, move out or pass away.

"The uncertainty is often more stressful than the reality" when it comes to planning for a change in administration.

Preferred stocks are good candidates for retirees' investment portfolio as they can provide more income than corporate bonds.

Investors are better off having target-date funds than balanced funds as TDFs provide broader diversification and focus on minimizing risk.

How to maximize government retirement income for couples, irrespective of their marital status.

Many people have the misconception that Social Security will become insolvent over the next 20 years.

Payouts to spouses and survivors appear similar but are different enough to cause headaches.

Payouts to spouses and survivors appear similar but are different enough to cause headaches.

A retiree says if he had been told he was eligible for a lump sum payment, he would have gladly taken it.

A retiree says if he had been told he was eligible for a lump sum payment, he would have gladly taken it.

For one strategy, clients should create income streams that have built-in protection, such as Social Security and long-term insurance.

A proposed 22.3% increase in Medicare Part B premiums, if approved, will automatically be deducted from retirees' monthly checks.

The claiming process has become more complex. Here's how these programs can cut through the clutter.