Social Security is an important source of retirement income for millions of Americans, but how much do you know about this program? Test your knowledge, and learn more about your retirement benefits, by answering the following questions. Questions 1. Do you have to be retired to collect Social Security retirement benefits? a. Yes b. No …
I get so many credit card reward offers. How do I know which one to choose?
Credit card reward programs are more popular than ever. In order to keep up with such high demand in a competitive market, credit card companies are coming up with new and more enticing offers every day. How do you know which one to choose? Are you the type of credit card user who likes to …
How can I pay off the credit card debt I racked up over the holidays?
It’s a common occurrence once the holiday season winds down — you reluctantly look at your credit card statement and wince at all the purchases you made over the holidays. Fortunately, there’s no need to panic. Consider using one of the following strategies to help pay it off. Make a lump-sum payment. The best way …
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2017
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans, thresholds for deductions and credits, and standard deduction and personal exemption amounts. Here are a few of the key adjustments for 2017. Retirement plans Employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans can defer up to $18,000 …
How to Get a Bigger Social Security Retirement Benefit
Many people decide to begin receiving early Social Security retirement benefits. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration, about 72% of retired workers receive benefits prior to their full retirement age. 1 But waiting longer could significantly increase your monthly retirement income, so weigh your options carefully before making a decision. Timing counts Your …
Substantiating Your Charitable Gifts
When you claim a federal income tax deduction for charitable contributions, you must substantiate the contributions by maintaining certain records. The records must establish the charity to whom the gift was made, the amount of cash or the type and value of other property donated to charity, whether anything was received in consideration for the …
What changes can I make during this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
Each year, current Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare coverage for the following year during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period that starts on October 15 and runs through December 7. Because this period is the only time during the year that all people with Medicare can make changes to their health and prescription …
Do I need to make any changes to my Medicare coverage for next year?
During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period that runs from October 15 through December 7, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage that will be effective on January 1, 2017. If you’re satisfied with your current coverage, you don’t need to make changes, but you should review your options before you decide to stay with …
The Giving Season: Six Tips for Making Smart and Effective Charitable Donations This Holiday Season
The holidays are a popular time for charitable donations. With so many charities to choose from, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your donation is well spent. Here are six tips that can help you make smart and effective charitable donations. 1. Choose your charities wisely Choosing worthy organizations that support the causes …
Five Things to Know About Inherited IRAs
When an IRA owner dies, the IRA proceeds are payable to the named beneficiary–or to the owner’s estate if no beneficiary is named. If you’ve been designated as the beneficiary of a traditional or Roth IRA, it’s important that you understand the special rules that apply to “inherited IRAs.” It’s not really “your” IRA As …