Navigating the world of Medicare can feel like deciphering a complex code. However, understanding the initial enrollment period is crucial to ensure you get the coverage you need without incurring costly penalties or gaps in healthcare coverage. Let's break down what...
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Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2024: The Numbers Are In!
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries in 2024. This increase aims to help retirees and disabled individuals keep pace with inflation....
Heather Schreiber Aligns with The American College of Financial Services for Knowledge Hub+ Initiative
The American College of Financial Services is proud to announce the inclusion of Heather Schreiber, RICP®, NSSA®, a luminary in Social Security strategy and founder of HLS Retirement Consulting, as an industry expert for the newly unveiled Knowledge Hub+, a...
The Importance of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period
Medicare's annual open enrollment is pivotal for the nearly 65 million Americans enrolled in Medicare. Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (OEP), also known as the Annual Election Period, is a crucial annual occurrence for Medicare beneficiaries. This period is designed...
Navigating the SECURE 2.0 Act’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Changes
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act 2.0, approved at the end of 2022, brought about significant modifications to the retirement plan landscape. Among the most notable changes are those related to Required Minimum Distributions...
IRS Delays Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contribution Rule for High Earners Until 2026
A significant announcement made by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on August 25, 2023, has brought relief to numerous high-income earners and plan sponsors. Per IRS Notice 2023-62, The IRS postponed implementing a rule requiring age 50 catch-up contributions made...
2024 Social Security Cost-of-Living Predictions and 10 Steps Toward Retirement Preparedness
Retirement planning and preparedness is a critical aspect of financial stability, and Social Security benefits play a significant role in ensuring a comfortable retirement for many individuals. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is a crucial factor that shapes the...
Navigating the Earnings Test: Understand the Relationship between an Early Social Security Claim and Work
Social Security benefits play a crucial role in providing financial support to millions of retirees and disabled individuals in the United States. As a government program, Social Security offers a safety net to ensure a certain level of income during retirement; the...
Securing a Comfortable Retirement: The Impact of Professional Financial Advice on Women
Why Women May Welcome Advice from Financial Pros The end of April brought dire news from Money magazine: Americans’ confidence that they’ll have a comfortable retirement is “plunging,” the headline announced. In the past year, the percentage of workers expecting their...
Retirement Relocation: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Moving in Your Golden Years
For Retirees, New Place Like Home? Many online articles list the best places to live in retirement. Often, financial issues are key determining factors. For example, the most recent retirement rankings methodology from U.S. News & World Report gives 40% weight to...
Stay ahead of the curve with Social Security Advisor.
A companion resource to Ed Slott's IRA Newsletter, this is the go-to "all things Social Security" newsletter and reference tool for financial professionals. Providing practical applications to commonly asked and misunderstood claiming rules, Social Security Advisor is a must-have for any financial and tax professional who wants to add value to their financial and tax planning process.