Three Part Series On Social Security: Part Two
“The Social Security shopping mall has 81 stores for married couples.” I can’t take credit for this quote – but […]
Read More Three Part Series On Social Security: Part One
This is the first in a three-part series on Social Security. Look for part two on spousal benefits in the […]
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Eight Things Medicare Doesn’t Pay For
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers many medical and hospital services. But some of the things it doesn’t cover […]
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My Take on the Debt Limit and Bank Crisis
When we set up Your Merkle Plan, we talked about legislative risk – how what happens in Washington can impact your […]
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How 5 Types of Retirement Income Are Taxed
Not all retirement income is taxed the same. We explore five types of retirement income and how the federal government […]
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A Guide to SECURE Act 2.0
New laws are changing the landscape of retirement – again. SECURE Act 2.0 consists of more than 90 retirement provisions, […]
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Why It’s Going to be a Great Year
2022 was a good year. I’m serious. I know, I know. There was a market correction, interest rates pushed borrowing […]
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Legacy Planning: Revocable Trust vs. Irrevocable Trust
Many people believe that a trust is only for the wealthy. In reality, many families and individuals could benefit from […]
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Year-End Tax Planning Strategies
Tax planning is an essential component of a customized retirement plan. We’ve seen first-hand how long-term tax planning strategies can increase your retirement savings. […]
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Retiring With a Pension? Interest Rates are Impacting Your Lump Sum
Attention pension plan owners! This information is for you. As interest rates are rising, pension plan lump sum payouts are […]
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Retirees to Receive Historic Social Security Pay Raise
Social Security beneficiaries are getting a historic benefit increase. The Social Security Administration announced today that they will receive an […]
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A Look at the History of Social Security as COLA Bump Nears
Any day now, retirees should find out what their Social Security raise will be for 2023. Experts are predicting the […]
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Medicare Part B Premium Will Decrease in 2023
It’s not very often that we get to tell you about the cost of something going down, but today is […]
Read More 7 Reasons People Retire Earlier Than Planned
For 32 years, the Employee Benefits Research Institute has been surveying Americans about retirement. Here are the top seven reasons people […]
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Long-Term Care Readiness
Someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services in their […]
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Spousal Succession Plan
A little planning now can go a long way when life takes unexpected turns. That’s why we’ve put together a […]
Read More Medicare Part B Premium Will Decrease in 2023
It’s easy to think of Medicare as a one-time thing. Three months before you turn 65 or up to three […]
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Possible Social Security Changes for 2023
Another big cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) could be coming for Social Security recipients in 2023. Social Security Administration officials recently confirmed […]
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Understanding Financial Designations
On our website, TV show, podcast, or YouTube channel, you may have noticed various letters behind the names of the […]
Read More Income Tax Law Changes and Your Retirement
Many pre-retirees and retirees are cheering as Iowa joins a growing list of U.S. states that do not tax your retirement income. […]
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7 (More) Great Ways to Spend Your Time in Retirement
Are you ready to retire but unsure what to do with all the extra free time? You’re not alone. Here […]
Read More 7 Great Ways to Spend Your Time in Retirement
We often hear, “I just don’t know what I would do if I retired.” They are ready to say goodbye […]
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