There is some kindness in the tax code, especially when it comes to the disabled and their care givers. There are a few tax breaks that are intended to alleviate some of the financial burden. Even when a disabled person is able to work, they or their caregivers must incur…
Certain organizations are known for providing amazing customer service. Social Security is not usually one of them. However, there are some services that Social Security does offer that are not well known and that could make life easier for many. Good news is hard to find when it comes to…
Think of an estate plan as a love letter to your family after you have passed. You’d be surprised at how many people you know don’t have a will or an estate plan in place. They may be among the many who have an unspoken belief that if they don’t…
Rules on claiming benefits were never simple and recent changes have eliminated "file and suspend" techniques. Here's what you need to know about Social Security benefits right now. Social security was originally designed to serve the elderly and destitute, but today, working Americans depend on Social Security benefits to fund…
The entire US is up for grabs for retirees who are moving to a wide variety of location—from the mountains of Montana to the moderate temperatures of South Carolina. Is Houston a hot spot? Once upon a time, if you lived in the north, your default retirement destination was either…
Long gone are the days of pensions, when employers took care of all Houston retirement income. On the flip side, Houstonians are living longer and healthier lives. If X equals a longer lifetime and Y equals smaller retirement funds, how do you solve for Z? Making retirement money last longer…
An interactive online tool has been released by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that walks consumers through a series of questions to help them better understand the optimal time to file for Social Security benefits. The "Planning for Retirement" site is an attempt to address a serious problem…
Savvy individuals, estate planning lawyers and financial advisors are not averse to finding unintended benefits when Congress makes changes to laws regarding retirement accounts and Social Security payments. Unfortunately, when too many of these techniques are discovered and shared widely, the government sees revenue slipping away. Three of these loopholes…
We asked experts to let us in on a few resources most people overlook. Need more cash to help care for mom and dad? A recent Oprah Magazine article, titled “Sanity-Saving Secrets For Caring For Your Aging Parents,” has some ideas where to look for funds to support your…
The nation's elderly and disabled Social Security recipients will receive a 1.5 percent increase in payments in 2014. The same COLA will apply to pensions for federal government retirees and most veterans. According to recent news from the Social Security Administration, the Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) made to Social…