As a young adult, there are a number of financial matters you can encounter when transitioning from high school to college (and on to the working world). Let’s talk about some resources that can help make the transition easier. The…
In mid-October every year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its much-anticipated report on changes (usually increases) to the Consumer Price Index over the past 12 months. Why is this little, esoteric government report — actually called the Consumer Price…
From time to time, I come across individuals who tell me that they cannot afford to participate in their company’s 401(k) plan. I ask them just two questions: Do you get a tax refund? Does your 401(k) pay a match?…
There are so gosh darn many myths and rumors circulating out there (mostly online) about Social Security. That’s why I wrote a book called “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can get it at Amazon for less than…
If you are one of the 27 million people who have federal student loans outstanding, get ready to start repayments. The hiatus that began in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic is now ending. Let’s go through some stats. Student…
I just got my annual Medicare guidebook called “Medicare and You 2024” in the mail. I’m assuming this booklet is mailed to everyone in the country who is on Medicare. So, if you are on Medicare, I’m sure you got…
There is a new act in town: The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) will require disclosures starting Jan. 1, 2024. Just because the title includes the word “Corporate,” trustees of trusts shouldn’t ignore it. It may apply to trusts in certain…
A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about something called the “government pension offset.” It is a law that essentially says this: If you get a pension from a job that was not covered by Social Security, that pension…
Here is a special message to all Social Security representatives reading this column. You are right when you tell customers that as a general rule, they cannot file for reduced benefits on one record and later switch to full benefits…
Q: I know you’ve written columns about how to handle Social Security affairs after someone dies. In fact, I had clipped one of those columns and saved it. But now I can’t find it. Sadly, my husband, who is in…