Which purchases are worth the splurge?
Boats, name-brand clothing, iPhones — the list of luxury products available to consumers is endless. But which ones are worth their salt? Defining “worth” is a deeply personal exercise. Some items deliver great performance and are unarguably worth their price tag. Others are more about feelings, connection and experience. While it’s not always necessary to splurge, there are... READ MORE
Watch out for scams via text
According to the IRS, there’s a new stimulus check scam that you need to know about. Thieves are sending text messages saying, “You have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required to accept this payment into your account. Continue here to accept this payment.” The text then has a link to a fake website that looks like... READ MORE
How to reduce tax bite on Social Security
After a lifetime of paying taxes on wages and other income, many people enter retirement expecting their Social Security benefits to be tax-free. But that’s often not the case. For some retirees, Uncle Sam takes a hefty bite of those benefits. Fortunately, there are ways to lower the percentage of Social Security payments that are subject to federal tax. Start with calculating... READ MORE
A guide to giving for the greatest impact
The recession and global pandemic are hitting charities where it hurts the most: in the wallet. Most fundraising professionals expect donations to decline in 2020 compared with previous years, a situation likely to continue through 2021, according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Meanwhile, the need for charity is climbing, particularly to combat rising poverty, hunger... READ MORE
Three steps to higher retirement income
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, retirees could live off the interest from their CDs and bonds. A lot has changed since then. With interest rates now at historical lows, retirees are feeling the pinch. This doesn’t mean retirement is out of reach. It means we need to plan a little smarter and harder. Here are three ways to boost retirement income: Reduce your... READ MORE
Opening career opportunities
Baltimore resident Emma Smith, 61, was looking for her big break last year. She had been working hard as a security guard, but still wasn’t making enough money to comfortably pay the bills. “They took pride in saying that they paid people 60 cents over minimum wage. Wow,” Smith said sarcastically. She had recently received a commercial driver’s license from a local training... READ MORE
Older workers face higher unemployment
For the first time in nearly 50 years, older workers face higher unemployment than their midcareer counterparts, according to a study released in October by the New School, a university in New York City. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on employment for people of all ages. But researchers found that during its course, workers 55 and older lost jobs sooner, were rehired slower, and... READ MORE
Can you pass a retirement literacy quiz?
The American College of Financial Services periodically conducts a retirement literacy quiz for prospective retirees. The 2020 quiz consists of 38 questions covering all important retirement issues. Unfortunately, 8 out of 10 individuals taking the 2020 quiz failed to get a passing grade. More than half of respondents underestimated the life expectancy of a 65-year-old man. Only 31% have ... READ MORE
Beware Medicare scams
Every year during health insurance open enrollment season, scammers try to dupe unsuspecting consumers into sharing their personal information. You may receive a call (or recorded message) from someone who claims to be helping you navigate your Medicare options. They may call themselves a “healthcare benefits advocate” or a similar title. The caller says they can enroll you in a... READ MORE
Reevaluate your Medicare coverage now
It’s that time of year again: Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period. Each year from October 15 to December 7, current Medicare users are able to compare and switch their Medicare and Part D prescription drug plans, if wanted. New users are able to enroll during this period, so long as it is not their first time enrolling in Parts A or B. (Your initial enrollment period... READ MORE
Money 2024
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