Alden and Dena Swartz draw nearly $4,000 a month from Social Security, the government program designed to support Americans in retirement. And they are struggling. Gail Randle and her partner, Mike DellaVolpe, collect only $2,400 a month in Social Security benefits: Not quite $30,000 a year. And they are doing all right. “We are frugal … Read more
Ever wondered what happens to everything you own after you’re gone? It’s not the most cheerful topic but it’s super important to understand who gets what when someone passes away. Whether you’ve got a house savings, or family heirlooms, knowing how inheritance works can save your loved ones from headaches and heartaches down the road. … Read more
You’re not the only one worried about your retirement. Many companies are having trouble keeping their pension promises, so it’s important to know if your pension plan is underfunded for your financial future. I’ve spent countless hours researching this topic, and I’m here to share everything you need to know about identifying underfunded pension plans. … Read more
Actually, that’s just Hollywood fiction! What really happens to a will after someone dies is very different from how these movies show it. Have you ever seen a movie where the family gathers in a dark office after a funeral and the lawyer reads the dead person’s will while everyone gasps and looks shocked? As … Read more
If you were married to your former spouse for at least 10 full, consecutive years, you are eligible to draw your Social Security (and Medicare) Benefits off of him or her. This article talks about me as the ex-wife getting money from my ex-husband, but the situation is the same for men as well. It’s … Read more
Have you ever laid awake at night wondering if your retirement portfolio has too many stocks? Or maybe not enough? You’re definitely not alone in this worry. As someone who’s spent years helping folks navigate the tricky waters of retirement planning, I’ve seen this question cause more anxiety than almost any other investment decision. To … Read more
Tina is in charge of the Citizens Wealth Management financial planning and estate planning team, which is made up of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERSTM, estate and tax planners, and trust officers. As a strategic partner, she helps clients deal with and grow in new situations. The idea of being able to spend their days however they … Read more
Are you having trouble figuring out how much money you’ll need for your golden years? You’re not the only one. I’ve been through this difficult process of figuring out my retirement needs before, and let me tell you, it doesn’t have to feel like solving a difficult math problem. In this article, I’m gonna break … Read more
Are you approaching retirement and wondering what’s gonna happen to your hard-earned pension money when the taxman comes knocking? You’re not alone! Understanding pension taxation can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded, but I’m here to break it down in plain English. Knowing the tax rules now can keep you from getting … Read more
“Expert verified” means that our Financial Review Board thoroughly evaluated the article for accuracy and clarity. The Review Board is made up of financial experts whose job it is to make sure that all of our content is fair and unbiased. Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may … Read more