SSI provides funds to needy older adults

By Jim Miller
Posted on December 18, 2024

Dear Savvy Senior,  What can you tell me about the SSI program, and what are the eligibility requirements for seniors? I’m trying to help my elderly aunt who is very low-income.   —Searching Niece                                                                             Dear Searching,  The SSI ... READ MORE

New rules boost worker savings in 2025

By Sandra Block
Posted on December 12, 2024

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act 2.0, enacted in late 2022, contained a long list of provisions that are scheduled to roll out over several years. Here’s a look at how the legislation could affect the retirement savings of those working in 2025.  Larger catch-up contributions for those in their early 60s  Starting in 2025, participants in 401(k)... READ MORE

Medicare 2025 premiums and surcharges

By Jim Miller
Posted on December 12, 2024

Dear Savvy Senior,  I know there will be a small 2.5 percent cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits next year, but what about Medicare? What will the Medicare Part B monthly premiums be in 2025, and when do the surcharges kick in for higher income beneficiaries?   —Medicare Beneficiary  Dear Beneficiary,  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services... READ MORE

Tax strategies to help your savings last

By Scott M. Dougan
Posted on December 10, 2024

The intricacies of tax planning are a critical component of your overall retirement strategy. Minimizing taxes in retirement isn’t just about reducing today’s tax bill — it’s about ensuring that your hard-earned money lasts longer and that you can draw from your assets efficiently.  By applying a logical, data-driven approach, you can create a retirement tax strategy that... READ MORE

AI catches tax cheats and saves billions

By Kate Schubel
Posted on December 10, 2024

The U.S. Treasury Department is harnessing AI to combat taxpayer fraud, successfully recovering $4 billion in fraudulent and improper payments. This success is primarily due to advanced machine learning (ML) techniques that analyze data to identify tax non-compliance.  In a recent release, the Treasury noted plans to equip other federal agencies with AI tools, data and expertise to... READ MORE

When to consider a donor-advised fund

By Evan T. Beach, CFP
Posted on November 14, 2024

Too often we think about charitable giving in the context of the rich and powerful, where, it seems, the rich keep getting richer via some complex charitable strategy.   While there are significant tax benefits to properly structured charitable giving, the reality is much less exciting. You will save some percentage of your gift if you do it properly, but you’ll always end up with... READ MORE

Reasons to file an amended tax return

By Elliot Raphaelson
Posted on November 12, 2024

After filing their annual tax return, most Americans — especially those whose employers withhold payroll and income taxes from their paychecks — needn't think about tax filing for many months.  Some taxpayers, however, will find themselves in a situation where they should file an amended return. The reasons for doing so include:  —The income reported on the original return was ... READ MORE

Help for surprisingly high medical bills

By Cora Lewis
Posted on November 12, 2024

Unexpectedly high medical bills are common in the United States, but there are ways to get relief. While the process of fighting high medical bills can be time-consuming and frustrating, advocates stress that patients shouldn’t be intimidated by the system.   If you’ve received a surprise medical bill, here’s what you should know:  You may qualify for charity care  When... READ MORE

They call you honey, then ask for money

By Kimberly Palmer
Posted on November 08, 2024

Finding a partner can be difficult. You may be tempted to look for love online. Unfortunately, criminals are also on the hunt — but for victims, not romance.  “Meeting people online has opened the door to romance fraud,” said Kim Casci-Palangio, program director of the peer support program at the nonprofit Cybercrime Support Network in Ann Arbor, Michigan.   “You feel you... READ MORE

Considering a mortgage refi? Consider this

By Alex Veiga
Posted on October 29, 2024

Mortgage rates haven’t been this attractive in more than a year, which is good news for homeowners eager to refinance.  Many homeowners have already jumped at the opportunity to lower their monthly payment, spurring a surge in mortgage refinancing applications.  And that was before the average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell in September to 6.35%, according to mortgage buyer... READ MORE