Category: Retirement

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

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): GE’s pension freeze puts a spotlight on America’s retirement planning problem

Via Yahoo News By Ethan Wolff-Mann The news that General Electric (GE) was freezing its pension for 20,000 workers this week and offering buyouts to 100,000 former employees sent the company’s beleaguered stock up slightly, but dealt the two fierce blows to two great American institutions. The first: GE itself. An American staple and iconic industrial company that has employed hundreds of thousands — if not millions … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): GE’s pension freeze puts a spotlight on America’s retirement planning problem

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

Our Lifetime Commitment to You and Yours

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is here with information, tools, and benefits to help you secure today and tomorrow. Our journey together begins when you’re born and get your Social Security card. It continues when you get your first job and follows you through your entire career, marriage, and retirement. Our commitment is to be with you throughout life’s journey. … Continue reading Our Lifetime Commitment to You and Yours

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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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Retirement, seniors, Social Security

Social Security Terms in Plain Language

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Some of the terms and acronyms (an abbreviation of the first letters of words in a phrase) people use when they talk about Social Security can be a little confusing. We’re here to help you understand all you need to know. Social Security employees strive to explain benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. In fact, The Plain Writing … Continue reading Social Security Terms in Plain Language

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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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Client story, FYI, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Money and Finances, Pension, Retirement, seniors

(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 Ms. Q. Ms. Q. worked for … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project ): A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems

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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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