Social Security

Be careful with Social Security and Medicare. Missteps can hurt client relationships.

Long-term-care insurance could be bought using people's 401(k) funds and should impose no penalty for early withdrawals, say experts at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Very few retirees have incomes that equal 70% of what they earned in their working years.

Higher income may prevent retirees from qualifying for certain assistance programs because of income thresholds; plus, where retirees are moving and why.

Despite some recent rule changes, advisers still have to run the numbers on the best claiming strategies. Here’s how they are using software to do the job right.

Retirement may begin with a choice between starting benefits or taking distributions.

Even after Congress phased out two popular claiming strategies, you should remind clients they can increase their benefits simply by being patient.

The federal plan does not cover some things such as hearing aids and dental care; plus, how age differences in couples affect their Social Security.

Excess cash and over concentration in specific assets can lead to trouble.

How working longer can help elderly clients overcome a retirement benefit shortfall; plus, why basing a client's retirement plan on inheritance is a grave mistake.