No, your Social Security isn’t going away
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making a concerted effort to quell fears over dwindling reserves in the trust fund. In a new episode of the SSA Talks podcast, SSA chief actuary Steve Goss offered some much-welcomed reassurance that, while there is still a risk that benefits will lessen as the reserves are depleted, there’s no need to believe Social Security will run... READ MORE
Time to give bonds and CDs a closer look
Traditionally, financial advisers have urged investors to allocate 60% of their portfolios to stocks and 40% to debt instruments. This approach made sense during bull markets for stocks, when the average return for a diversified stock portfolio performed much better than for a diversified bond portfolio. Lately, however, the Federal Reserve has been increasing interest rates to curb... READ MORE
Reducing financial abuse of older adults
Financial crime against older Americans is a growing problem. Victims of fraud who are 80 and older lose an average of $39,200 every year. People living with dementia are at an especially high risk of becoming victims. As their memory and other thinking skills decline, people with dementia may struggle to make financial decisions. They may not remember or report the abuse — or... READ MORE
Own Series I Bonds? Consider cashing in
In 2022, a spike in inflation made normally staid Series I [inflation-protected] savings bonds almost as popular as tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. I bonds issued between May and October 2022 earned a six-month composite rate of 9.62%, creating a surge in demand from yield-hungry investors that briefly overwhelmed the TreasuryDirect website where they’re sold. I bond rates... READ MORE
Give to charity from IRA for max tax benefits
Many Americans donate to charity each year. Knowing that the money can help an organization that is near and dear to your heart helps you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Getting a federal tax break for the contribution might be an added bonus. However, these days, most people who donate can’t write off their gifts. That’s because only individuals who itemize deductions on Schedule A of... READ MORE
Medicare Advantage — pitfalls to avoid
[Ed. Note: We are currently in the thick of Medicare’s annual “open enrollment period,” which runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. That’s the period during which you can a) switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa, b) join, drop or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan, and c) add, drop or change prescription drug coverage. It is... READ MORE
Leave your heat on all day or turn it off?
With energy prices increasing, heating your home is proving difficult for many to afford. This peak in prices is leading many to search for alternative ways to save on energy bills during the winter. Fortunately, the solution can be easier than you think. If you’ve ever wondered whether or not you should leave your heat on low all day or turn it off when you’re gone, keep... READ MORE
Protecting your pets after you’re gone
Dear Savvy Senior, What is the best way to ensure my pets are taken care of after I’m gone? I have two dogs and a cat that are my four-legged family, and I want to make sure they’ll be well taken care of after I die. —Solo Senior Dear Solo, It’s a great question. Every year, approximately 500,000 cats and dogs enter shelters when their pet parents experience an emergency or ... READ MORE
Safer investments for earning high yields
Because the Federal Reserve has been increasing interest rates, there are many conservative alternatives available for investors now who want to take advantage of high returns with minimum risks. Here are some of the alternatives available to you and the associated tax issues: Certificates of deposit The returns associated with certificates of deposit (CDs) are much higher than they were... READ MORE
How to reduce taxes on Social Security
Social Security benefits were once tax-free. That changed in 1983, when Congress decided to tax a portion of benefits for the highest-income recipients. Back then, fewer than 10% of beneficiaries were affected. However, lawmakers failed to update the law to account for inflation, so today most Social Security beneficiaries have to pay federal income tax on at least some of their... READ MORE
