Category: Planning for the Future

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

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): ERISA at 45: Where do we go from here?

Via BenefitsPro By Alan Vorchheimer September 2019 marks the 45th anniversary of President Gerald Ford signing the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, commonly called ERISA. Of course, the issue of retirement income security is as relevant as ever, particularly given questions about the long-term sustainability of current Social Security benefit levels. We can use this occasion to review the issues that the legislation was intended to address, … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): ERISA at 45: Where do we go from here?

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Planning for the Future, Safety

Preparing for Power Outages

By Abigail Haller, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Michigan is known for its erratic weather and harsh winters. Even though it may be difficult to predict when a snowstorm will arrive, being prepared is something anyone can do. Being prepared before, during, and after a winter storm can alleviate stress and help keep you and your loved ones safe. The Michigan State Police have … Continue reading Preparing for Power Outages

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

Your Earnings Record is Both Your Financial History and Your Financial Future

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is an earned benefit. Your earnings history is a record of your progress toward your benefits. Social Security keeps track of your earnings so we can pay you the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime. This is why reviewing your Social Security earnings record is so important. If an employer didn’t properly report just one … Continue reading Your Earnings Record is Both Your Financial History and Your Financial Future

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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): Proposed Hardship Distribution Regulations Mean Changes for 401(k) and 403(b) Plan Sponsors

Via JD Supra By Samantha Kopacz and Samuel Parks Employer-sponsors of certain retirement plans have work to do prior to the end of 2019. Sponsors of Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) section 401(k) and 403(b) plans must analyze their plan documents and associated administrative procedures in order to ensure compliance with newly issued guidance related to hardship distributions. On November 18, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Proposed Hardship Distribution Regulations Mean Changes for 401(k) and 403(b) Plan Sponsors

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

Back to School with Social Security

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist It typically takes people a lifetime of planning to reach their retirement goals. The earlier young workers know about saving for their future, the better chance they’ll have at achieving a comfortable retirement. This is why Social Security has created a resource specifically for teachers and students. Our Information for Educators page contains a toolkit with information … Continue reading Back to School with Social Security

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Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Coal Miners Back in Washington Fighting for Benefits

Via Western Kentucky University By Becca Schimmel United Mine Workers and supporters were on Capitol Hill Wednesday in an effort to shore up their pension and health benefits. More than 43,000 coal miners in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia are growing anxious about losing their retirement benefits. The coal miner’s union says its pension fund will be insolvent in three years if Congress doesn’t take action. If … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Coal Miners Back in Washington Fighting for Benefits

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A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.
Disability, FYI, Health, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Social Security, SSI, veterans

Social Security Q&A Part 21

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: What is substantial gainful activity (SGA)? Answer: We use the term “substantial gainful activity,” or “SGA,” to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both. If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, we … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 21

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Disability, divorce, FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Social Security

Understanding Social Security Benefits

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American, whether at the birth of a child, the loss of a loved one, the onset of a disability, or the transition from work to retirement. For more than 80 years, our programs have contributed to the financial security of the elderly and the disabled. Social Security replaces a … Continue reading Understanding Social Security Benefits

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Celebratory Day, FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Social Security, SSI

Celebrating Independence Day

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist July 4th brings family and friends together, as well as neighbors, to celebrate that we’re all part of a community. Everyone pitches in, combining their resources — great food, music, and displays — to lift our spirits. Social Security has been helping people maintain their independence for over 80 years. In that time, we’ve made it even … Continue reading Celebrating Independence Day

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Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension, Planning for the Future, Retirement

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Worker Pension Plan Lawsuits Draw Review From U.S. Supreme Court

Via Bloomberg By Greg Stohr The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider giving workers who participate in pension plans more ability to sue when they believe the money is being mismanaged. The justices will hear arguments in their next term from retired U.S. Bancorp employees who say their plan lost more than $1 billion during the 2008 market crash because the company invested all the plan’s assets … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Worker Pension Plan Lawsuits Draw Review From U.S. Supreme Court

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