Social Security

There are specific benchmarks to gauge your client's 401(k) plan — do they measure up?

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.

For potential landlords, owning rental property can sometimes be managed from a laptop or even a phone.

Premiums appear to be stabilizing finally and even dropping in some states.

The "Rule of 100" follows the rule-of-thumb of growing more conservative as investors grow older, but it also may be obsolete since it was developed when interest rates were higher.

About that tax deduction, it’s not enough of a reason to keep a mortgage. Remember, it’s only a deduction, not a credit.

Certain clients may consider donating directly from their IRAs.

Those new to Medicare may not realize they need to buy a separate policy to cover prescription drugs. There are some partial exceptions, but even in those cases, coverage can vary.

Investors have an average of 25 funds to choose from in their 401(k) plans, but some financial advisors suggest that the best approach is to pick a small number of very broad funds.

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.

Many older Americans are now facing hefty life insurance premiums due to dwindling interest rates. Many seniors are sitting on a "ticking time bomb."

Boosting the widow's benefit, while limiting the size of the increase for higher earners, could be a “well-targeted way to help reduce poverty for this vulnerable group.”

The Trump administration is considering pushing back the age at which retirees have to take required minimum distributions from tax-deferred retirement account.