Category: Planning for the Future

FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security, Technology

Social Security’s Recent Top Five Blogs

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security matters to millions of people and that’s why we aptly named our blog Social Security Matters. Over the past several years, more and more people have realized that our blog is a trusted source for information and easy-to-share articles. Here are five recent popular blog posts: Three Common Ways Your Social Security Payment Can Grow … Continue reading Social Security’s Recent Top Five Blogs

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Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

Sign up for Medicare and Estimate Medicare Costs

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Affordable medical coverage is something everyone wants, especially as people age. Luckily, our nation has safeguards for workers as they get older. Millions of people rely on Medicare, and it can be part of your health insurance plan when you retire. Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, as well as younger people who have … Continue reading Sign up for Medicare and Estimate Medicare Costs

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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 20

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Is it true I can save about $4,900 per year if I qualify for Social Security’s Extra Help with the Medicare prescription drug program? Answer: Yes. If your income and resources meet the requirements, you can save nearly $4,900 in prescription costs each year. Resource limits for 2018 are $14,100 (or $28,150 if you are married … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 20

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Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

Self Employment and Social Security

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Many people enjoy the independence of owning and operating their own small business. If you’re a small business owner, you know that you have additional financial responsibilities when reporting your taxes. A part of this is paying into Social Security. Most people who pay into Social Security work for an employer. Their employer deducts Social Security taxes … Continue reading Self Employment and Social Security

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Aging in Place, FYI, Housing, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Safety, senior independence, seniors

Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Program

By Sheila Robison, MiCAFE Network Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan Modifications and home improvements are crucial for most homeowners, especially for the senior citizen community. In current economic times, the expense of fixing up a home can be more than what is expected. Our pocketbooks are often not equipped to cover the costs of maintenance a home may need, and thus worry … Continue reading Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Program

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

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project) Michigan Sheet Metal Workers Pension Applies for Benefits Cuts

Via AI-CIO By Michael Katz The trustees of the Sheet Metal Workers Pension Fund of Troy, Michigan, have reapplied for approval from the US Department of Treasury of a proposed suspension of benefits. The fund’s actuaries have estimated that as of May 1, 2019, the pension is only 40.6% funded, and is projected to become insolvent in the plan year beginning May 1, 2033. According … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project) Michigan Sheet Metal Workers Pension Applies for Benefits Cuts

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FYI, Planning for the Future, seniors, Social Security, Technology, Tips

Connect with Social Security on Social Media

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We strive to keep you informed with accurate and helpful information. Over the last decade, Social Security’s communications strategy has evolved to include electronic messages, through our social media channels. You can share Social Security information, including links to our online tools, with a click of a button. Using Facebook, we reach millions of people on a … Continue reading Connect with Social Security on Social Media

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Discounts, FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, senior independence, seniors, taxes, Tips

Senior Citizen Discount for Taxes

Guest post, by Kate Moss, Relationship Manager with Equanimity Wealth Management Jadranko Tomic Bobas, J.D., Managing Hotline Attorney at Elder Law of Michigan Being eligible to use senior citizen discounts is like a rite of passage in life. It says, ‘You’ve made it!’ Be proud of your age and take your senior citizen discount at McDonald’s for coffee, get cheaper movie tickets and even ask … Continue reading Senior Citizen Discount for Taxes

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FYI, Health, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, medical, Planning for the Future, seniors

Power of Attorney: An Overview

By Jadranko Tomic Bobas, Managing Attorney at Elder Law of Michigan In Michigan when we discuss powers of attorney (POA), we usually refer to a financial power of attorney and/or a medical power of attorney. A power of attorney is a document that delegates decision-making capacity to a third person, which is usually a family member or a trusted friend. Powers granted can be broad, specific, narrow, or … Continue reading Power of Attorney: An Overview

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FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Tips

Three Financial Literacy Tips for Seniors

By Denise Keiser, Fund Development Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan April highlights the importance of financial education. But, how do we ensure the principles shared during the month have a lifelong effect far beyond the month of April, especially for seniors? Financial literacy, after all, offers individuals the ability to make smart, informed decisions about their financial resources which stretch from money to housing and … Continue reading Three Financial Literacy Tips for Seniors

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