What financial planners wish you knew about Social Security
Only about 1 in 8 adults know when they’ll be eligible for full retirement benefits through Social Security, according to the Nationwide Retirement Institute 2023 Social Security Survey. And compared to 2014, fewer people age 50 and up now know whether they may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse’s record (they may) or if Social Security may offer benefits for ... READ MORE
Scammers are getting away with theft
The scammers are winning. Sophisticated overseas criminals are stealing tens of billions of dollars from Americans every year, a crime wave projected to get worse as the U.S. population ages and technology like AI makes it easier than ever to perpetrate fraud and get away with it. Internet and telephone scams have grown “exponentially,” overwhelming police and prosecutors who... READ MORE
How long to keep tax records and other files
Dear Savvy Senior, Is there a rule of thumb on how long someone should keep their old financial paperwork? I have file cabinets full of old receipts, bank and brokerage statements, tax returns and more that I would like to toss. —Recently Retired Dear Recently, It’s a great question. As we get older and our financial life gets more complicated, it’s difficult to... READ MORE
What to include in an estate plan
Many individuals, even those with significant assets, are negligent in establishing a comprehensive estate plan. A will, although necessary, is not sufficient. In this column I will discuss wills and other documents that you should consider. Consult with your attorney about including the following documents in your estate plan. Will: A will is the document that contains a written... READ MORE
What to do before and after your phone is stolen or lost
Phones hold so much of our digital lives — emails, social media and bank accounts, photos, chat messages and more — that if they ever get stolen or go missing, it can cause major disruption beyond just the loss of a device. In some places, phone thefts are an everyday problem, with thieves on electric bikes snatching them out of pedestrians’ hands, swiping them off restaurant... READ MORE
