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Retirement

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: When hybrid long-term care insurance makes sense. Also in the news: How to tell whether your credit card authorized user could become a problem, what pro athletes can teach us about retirement planning, and the 7 habits of highly effective investors.

When Hybrid Long-Term Care Insurance Makes Sense
Planning for the future.

7 Ways to Tell Whether Your Credit Card Authorized User Will Be a Problem
Proceed with caution.

What Pro Athletes Can Teach Us About Retirement Planning
Living below your means can protect your future.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Investors
Using your money wisely.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to improve your online banking security. Also in the news: Avoiding overwhelming student debt, getting the most out of your 401(k) plan, and 12 cheap ways to keep your kids busy this summer.

5 Ways to Improve Your Online Banking Security
Protecting your information.

8 College Planning Tips to Avoid Overwhelming Student Loan Debt
There are alternatives.

401(k) Fatigue? Here’s How to Get the Most Out of Your Plan
Don’t leave money on the table.

Summer is coming: 12 cheap ways to keep your kids busy
Summer doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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common-retirement-mistakesToday’s top story: College counselors spill financial aid secrets. Also in the news: How to tell if you’re on track for retirement, why new grads have a huge retirement savings advantage, and the 401(k) mistakes that could cost you a bundle.

College Counselors Spill 6 Financial Aid Secrets
Get the inside scoop.

Do the Math to Tell If You’re on Track for Retirement
Checking your progress.

New grads have a huge retirement savings advantage
How much will you have in 40 years?

The 401(k) Mistakes That Could Cost You a Bundle
Pay close attention.

Q&A: Do the math on retirement benefits

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Dear Liz: My full retirement age for Social Security benefits is 66. To receive that amount, do I have to keep working until I am 66? I was going to retire at 63 and receive a state pension and wait until 66 to apply for Social Security. I wasn’t planning on working full-time from 63 to 66.

Answer: You don’t have to keep working. When to retire can be a separate decision from when to start Social Security benefits.

Before you do either, though, find out how your state pension may affect your Social Security benefits. If you’re receiving a pension from a job that didn’t pay into the Social Security system, your Social Security benefit may be reduced. If that’s the case, it can make sense to delay taking your pension and start taking Social Security earlier. You can use claiming software such as MaximizeMySocialSecurity.com or SocialSecurityChoices.com to see what might be the best approach.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What you need to know about the new Social Security changes. Also in the news: Deciding between leasing or buying a car, how new graduates starting a business should manage their debt, and what to know before rolling over your 401(k).

What You Should Know About the New Social Security Rules
Big changes.

Lease or Buy a Car? Answer 7 Questions to Find Out
Deciding what’s right for you.

4 Essential Tips for Grads Starting a Business Despite Student Debt
Managing both.

3 things to know when rolling over your 401(k)
Be aware of what you’re getting into.

Don’t Give Up on Social Security — Count On It

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Blog-Crop71Everything you think you know about Social Security is probably wrong.

The system isn’t “running out of money.” It’s not going bankrupt. And the chances are quite good that millennials will receive benefits from Social Security — although half of them don’t believe it, according to a 2014 Pew Research Center study.

Not understanding how Social Security works can be hugely detrimental to your future retirement. In my latest for NerdWallet, why it’s important to act instead of panicking.