Our winter 2025 financial planning newsletter is now available. There's a lot going on in the world of personal finance! The newsletter includes details on action you may need to take as a result of the Social Security Fairness Act and an upcoming Vanguard litigation deadline. We also cover super … [Read more...]
October 2016 Financial Planning Newsletter
The October Financial Planning newsletter is now available. In addition to an investment market update, it includes an update on the social security cost-of-living adjustment, tips on inheriting an IRA, a third quarter investment summary, year-end tax tips and more. To read the newsletter, click … [Read more...]
July 2016 Personal Finance Newsletter
Our July newsletter is now available. On investing, it includes a second quarter investment market review and our commentary on why fears about Brexit may be overblown. In addition, it covers the highlights of the June 2016 Social Security and Medicare Trustees' Reports and a Q&A on how the … [Read more...]
November 2015 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our November 2015 is now available online. It includes details about the social security law changes enacted last fall, as well as action that those ages 66 - 69 before April 29 this year will want to consider taking. In addition, it provides 2016 retirement plan limits, and the Medicare Part B … [Read more...]
Major changes in social security strategies for retirees
As a result of the budget bill passed last week, two social security strategies that we've recommended to many clients over the years are no longer available or significantly limited. File and Suspend The strategy involves one spouse filing an application for retirement benefits when he or she … [Read more...]
May 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter
The May 2015 personal finance newsletter is now available. It covers several personal financial planning topics including why consuming too much financial journalism may be hazardous to your long-term financial health. There's also information on how divorce affects your social security and … [Read more...]
November Personal Finance Newsletter
Our November personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market update, it includes several articles on personal financial planning. We have updates released by the IRS and social security administration for 2015: Retirement plan contribution limits for … [Read more...]
Fall Retirement Planning Workshops Announced
Our fall schedule for retirement planning workshops at the Keller Public Library has just been released. The series is entitled Countdown to Retirement and is designed for individuals and couples within 5 – 10 years of retirement. During the workshop sessions you will learn about the tools and … [Read more...]
Social Security Benefits for Children
Your child--whether he or she is your biological child, adopted child, or stepchild--may be able to receive Social Security monthly benefits based on your earnings record if you're receiving disability or retirement benefits from Social Security, or in the event of your death. These often overlooked … [Read more...]
Keller Retirement Planning Workshops 2013 Schedule
I'm pleased to announce the schedule for my first quarter 2013 Keller Personal Finance Workshops. The series is entitled Countdown to Retirement and is designed for individuals and couples within 5 – 10 years of retirement. January, Part I: Creating your Retirement Plan This session will … [Read more...]
October Personal Finance Newsletter
The October personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes the 2013 social security cost of living adjustment and maximum earnings level just announced this morning. A detailed review of the 3rd quarter investment market performance, plus 2012 year-to-date information is also covered. … [Read more...]
September Personal Finance Newsletter
The September personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to an investment market update, it includes information on several financial planning topics. For retirees, we look at how remarriage affects social security. For those in the wealth accumulation phase, we look at the … [Read more...]
July/August Personal Finance Newsletter
The July/August personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes a review of the investment markets through second quarter, consideration of potential outcomes with the federal estate tax for 2013, and an announcement about the personal financial planning workshop schedule for this fall in … [Read more...]
Social Security Updates
You should be aware of two recent developments for social security – one affecting workers and one retirees. For retirees On March 1, 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department will stop mailing paper benefit checks. After that date, all Social Security beneficiaries (as well as anyone receiving … [Read more...]
Social Security and Divorce
If you're divorced and were married for at least 10 years, you may be entitled to social security benefits based on your former spouse's earnings record. If your former spouse is still living Your divorced spouse benefits are based on 50% of your ex-spouse's benefit at full retirement age. You … [Read more...]
Coordinating Spousal Benefits for Social Security
Coordinating spousal benefits in filing for social security can make a big difference in your retirement income. Contrary to popular practice, it’s not automatic that each spouse should just file for social security benefits as soon as he or she retires. As a couple, you have the potential to … [Read more...]
Keller Social Security Workshop
My free workshop on social security planning at the Keller Public Library is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18 at 6:30 pm. It's designed for baby boomers to help you maximize your retirement income. If you are 55 or older, have not yet filed for social security, and live in or around Keller, you … [Read more...]
Keller Social Security Planning Workshop
I am conducting a free social security strategy workshop at the Keller Public Library on Tuesday, July 19 at 6:30 pm. It's designed for baby boomers to help you maximize your retirement income. If you are 55 or older, have not yet filed for social security, and live in or around Keller, you should … [Read more...]
July Personal Finance Newsletter
The July personal financial planning newsletter is now available. Because of the tumultuous investment markets and economic uncertainty, the newsletter includes two investing columns -- one a recap of the second quarter market performance with a look forward, and another by Jim Parker with … [Read more...]
Maximizing Social Security Survivor’s Benefits
When you think of Social Security, you probably think of retirement. However, Social Security can also provide much-needed income to your family members when you die, making their financial lives easier. Your family may be entitled to receive survivor's benefits based on your work record When you … [Read more...]
April Personal Finance Newsletter
The April 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. This month's newsletter includes a reminder on Monday's 2010 IRA contribution deadline and information on social security statements being suspended. We also have articles on the estate tax exemption portability and the opportunity for … [Read more...]
March Personal Finance Newsletter
The March personal financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes an update on the investment market, tips on cutting discretionary spending to build your cash reserve, planned charitable giving, and social security survivors benefit. There's also a special guest column from attorney … [Read more...]
How to Maximize Social Security Benefits
Baby boomers, learn how to maximize your social security benefits and about recent changes to the social security program. I am conducting a free social security strategy workshop at the Keller Public Library on Tuesday, February 15 at 6:30 pm. It's designed for baby boomers to help you … [Read more...]
December Personal Finance Newsletter
The December 2010 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes an important update on social security rules, 2011 IRS mileage rates, considerations in rolling your traditional 401(k) to a Roth IRA, and changes to the adoption assistance program. As always, there's also an investment … [Read more...]
Social Security Workshop for Baby Boomers
I am conducting a free personal finance workshop on social security planning strategies at the Keller Public Library on Tuesday, November 16 at 6:30 pm. Personal finance workshops are held the third Tuesday of each month at the library, and this will be the last time the social security topic will … [Read more...]
August 2010 Personal Finance Newsletter
The August 2010 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information on how college scholarships are taxed, how the new healthcare law affects Medicare drug plans, and, as always, an investment market update. Enjoy! Click here to view the newsletter. … [Read more...]
Social Security File-And-Suspend Strategy
If you're married and looking for opportunities to increase retirement income, you may want to look closely at your Social Security benefits. One opportunity for maximizing Social Security income, called "file-and-suspend," may enable a married couple to boost both their retirement and survivor's … [Read more...]
Social Security Workshop at Keller Public Library
I am conducting a free workshop on social security planning strategies at the Keller Public Library on Tuesday, August 17 at 6:30 pm. The session will cover what baby boomers need to know to maximize their retirement income. Attendees will learn: 5 factors to consider when deciding when to … [Read more...]
Paying the Bills: Potential Sources of Retirement Income
Planning your retirement income is like putting together a puzzle with many different pieces. One of the first steps in the process is to identify all potential income sources and estimate how much you can expect each one to provide. Social Security According to the Social Security Administration … [Read more...]
August 2009 newsletter
The August newsletter is now available. It includes information on 2010 social security and medicare numbers for planning purposes, whether creditors can go after your 401(k) and more. To view it, click here. … [Read more...]
June 2009 Newsletter
The June 2009 newsletter is now available. It includes articles on the new credit card law provisions, energy-efficient tax credits, estate planning for second marriages, and social security planning. Click here to read it. … [Read more...]
Retiring Later Boosts Social Security Benefit
The following chart illustrates how the age you begin receiving benefits can greatly affect the amount of income you receive from Social Security every month. The chart assumes a full retirement age of 66, and a base benefit at full retirement age of $2,000 (which is nearly the maximum Social … [Read more...]
Social Security Myth Debunked
Question: Help! I'm 62 and my income is declining. Should I take social security now to lock in my benefits? Quick answer: this is not a good reason to take social security early. Social security uses your highest 35 years in calculating your benefit. They index the years before age 60 for … [Read more...]
Working During Retirement
Planning on working during retirement? If so, you're not alone. An increasing number of employees nearing retirement plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years. Why work during retirement? Clearly, if you work during retirement, you'll be earning money and relying less … [Read more...]
January 2009 Newsletter
The January 2009 newsletter is now available. It contains information on investing, saving for retirement, FDIC insurance, social security, financial preparedness for natural disasters, and information on upcoming events. … [Read more...]
2009 Key Numbers
This document is a really handy reference. If you look at your finances on any sort of ongoing basis, you may want to print it out and keep it on your desk. It has everything from tax brackets to retirement plan limits, mileage deduction amounts, adoption credits, phase-outs, education tax … [Read more...]