Category: Retirement

Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension, Retirement, seniors

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Michigan can say ‘thank u, Ariana Grande’; Her hit ‘7 Rings’ boosts state pension funds

Via Lansing State Journal By Carol Thompson Michigan pensioners get a little boost every time Ariana Grande’s chart-topping song “7 Rings” hits the airwaves. That’s good news for the more than 530,000 people tied to the state’s pension programs, most of which are not fully funded. There isn’t a direct line between “7 Rings” to pensioners’ pockets, but it’s pretty close. Here’s the connection: In the song, Grande puts … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Michigan can say ‘thank u, Ariana Grande’; Her hit ‘7 Rings’ boosts state pension funds

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

See What You Can Do Online During National Social Security Month-Part One

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist For generations, Social Security has been evolving to meet your changing needs. In April, we celebrate National Social Security Month by letting you know what you can do online with a my Social Security account. Replacing a lost or stolen Social Security number (SSN) card has never been easier. You can request a replacement SSN card online … Continue reading See What You Can Do Online During National Social Security Month-Part One

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

Medicare: Rules for Those with Higher Income

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you have higher income, the law requires an upward adjustment to your monthly Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums. But, if your income has gone down, you may use form SSA-44 to request a reduction in your Medicare income-related monthly adjustment amount. Medicare Part B helps pay for your doctors’ services … Continue reading Medicare: Rules for Those with Higher Income

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

Understanding Social Security Survivors Benefits

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Unfortunately, tragedy can strike without any warning. The loss of the family wage earner can be devastating both emotionally and financially. Social Security helps by providing income for the families of workers who die. Some of the Social Security taxes you pay go toward survivors benefits for workers and their families. The value of the survivors benefits … Continue reading Understanding Social Security Survivors Benefits

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Aging in Place, Disability, FYI, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, MiCAFE, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Tips

Vision Loss and Tools for Independence

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan Losing your vision can be overwhelming and feel incapacitating, but there are many resources available so you can continue to live independently and enjoy your hobbies and favorite activities. In Michigan, the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) is under the purview of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The BSBP offers many … Continue reading Vision Loss and Tools for Independence

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Client story, 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 services. The Pension Project works to find answers and solutions to your pension-related problem.  Sometimes retirees are notified after retirement that the monthly … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems

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

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Trump Treasury Backtracks On Lump-Sum Pension Rules Meant To Protect Retirees

Via Forbes.com By Ashlea Ebeling The Treasury Department told off employers back in 2015: Lump-sum pension buyouts for retirees already in payout status are a no-no. In practice, employers stopped offering them, per Notice 2015-49, despite the fact that proposed and temporary rules never came out. Now, in a Trump-era twist, the Treasury Department has backtracked with Notice 2019-18, a retraction of intent to propose regulations on the topic: … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Trump Treasury Backtracks On Lump-Sum Pension Rules Meant To Protect Retirees

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Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security, taxes

Social Security and Self-Employment

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you are not self-employed, Social Security taxes are typically taken out of your paycheck automatically. You and your employer each pay a 6.2 percent Social Security tax on up to $132,900 of your earnings and a 1.45 percent Medicare tax on all earnings in 2019. You don’t have to do anything extra for the coverage you … Continue reading Social Security and Self-Employment

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A woman smiles while holding a small pig-shaped piggy bank.
FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

Social Security and America Saves Week

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Planning and saving are core elements to a successful retirement. For over 80 years, Social Security has helped Americans achieve that goal. Each year, the American Savings Education Council and America Saves coordinate America Saves Week. The week is an opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior; and a great time for people to assess their … Continue reading Social Security and America Saves Week

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

So, You’re Retired but Don’t Have Enough Money to Be Retired. Now What?

Via Barrons.com By Elizabeth White I never thought it would happen to me. All my life—working at the World Bank, getting my M.B.A. at Harvard Business School, starting my own retail company—I thought of retirement as golfing in Florida (not that I really wanted to). Even after my business failed—taking most of my savings with it—I bounced back. I reinvented myself as a consultant and … Continue reading So, You’re Retired but Don’t Have Enough Money to Be Retired. Now What?

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