Category: Planning for the Future

Elder Law of Michigan, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension, Planning for the Future

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems

By Sandra Wisnewski, Director of the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan The Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP) assists clients with pension and 401(k) issues. There are no age or income restrictions and there is never a charge for the services. The Pension Project works to find answers and solutions to your pension-related problem. Just ask Mr. S. Mr. S called because he was having issues … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems

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Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

Making the Most of America Saves Week

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist This year, America Saves Week runs from February 22 – 26.   The week is an opportunity for organizations to promote good financial habits.  It’s also a great time for people to assess their own saving status, as planning and saving are key to a successful retirement. Each day of the week will focus on a different … Continue reading Making the Most of America Saves Week

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Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

Four Questions About Social Security That Can Help You Plan Your Retirement

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker.  If you’re among the many people covered under Social Security, you should know what your future benefit may be. These monthly payments may be a vital part of your retirement income. We base your benefit payment on how much you earned during … Continue reading Four Questions About Social Security That Can Help You Plan Your Retirement

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Elder Law of Michigan, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

When Should You Start Receiving Social Security Benefits?

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We’re often asked, “What’s the best age to start receiving retirement benefits?”  The answer is:  there’s not a single “best age” for everyone.  The most important thing is to make an informed decision.  Base your decision about when to apply for benefits on your individual and family circumstances. Would it be better for you to start … Continue reading When Should You Start Receiving Social Security Benefits?

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Elder Law of Michigan, Planning for the Future, Social Security

See Your Lifetime Earnings with My Social Security

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Did you know you can see your work history online all the way back to your first job?  Your earnings history is a record of your progress toward your Social Security benefits.  We keep track of your earnings so we can pay you the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime.  This is why reviewing your Social … Continue reading See Your Lifetime Earnings with My Social Security

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Elder Law of Michigan, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

A Redesigned Retirement Benefits Portal That Works for You

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We are excited to tell you about our redesigned retirement benefits portal at http://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement.  Keeping you informed about our products and services, and helping you prepare for making decisions that will affect your benefits is very important to us.  Preparing for retirement is one of the most important decisions you can make. Our website has helped … Continue reading A Redesigned Retirement Benefits Portal That Works for You

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Elder Law of Michigan, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

Retirement planning 101 with Social Security

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker.  If you’re among the people covered under Social Security, you need to know how much you might receive from us when you begin receiving benefits.  These monthly payments may be a vital part of your retirement income. We base your benefit payment on … Continue reading Retirement planning 101 with Social Security

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Elder Law of Michigan, Housing, Planning for the Future

Senior Home Shares

By Michelle Jackson, Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan Senior home sharing is becoming more and more popular in today’s world. Seniors are sharing homes with each other to share the high cost of housing expenses, as well as to have the companionship that comes with having a roommate. Senior home sharing also improves the health and safety of seniors by having … Continue reading Senior Home Shares

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Elder Law of Michigan, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Money and Finances, Pension, Planning for the Future, Retirement

Mid-America Pension Rights Project: Defined Benefit Pension vs Defined Contribution 401(k): Part 1

By Christine Steinmetz, Pension Attorney at the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan Do you ever wonder if you have saved enough for retirement? There are so many online calculators, articles, and books written on this very issue. You save and expect your retirement to go smoothly. However, many people retire and realize that they have not saved enough. Recently, General Electric … Continue reading Mid-America Pension Rights Project: Defined Benefit Pension vs Defined Contribution 401(k): Part 1

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Elder Law of Michigan, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, Tips

Older Adults Are Outliving Their Retirement Savings: How I Helped My 89-Year Old Grandmother Bridge the Gap

By Denise Keiser, Fund Development Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan Recently, I sat down with my grandmother who is in her 80’s to help prepare her monthly bills and discovered some startling news about her retirement savings – it’s gone! She, like many seniors her age, has outlived her nest egg. Surprisingly, she never thought she would live this long, and thus, ever run … Continue reading Older Adults Are Outliving Their Retirement Savings: How I Helped My 89-Year Old Grandmother Bridge the Gap

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