(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Here’s why you should buy life insurance when you are young

Via CNBC By Sharon Epperson and Jessica Dickler When you’re just starting out, life insurance may not be your first concern. Putting it off may cost you. Research shows that millennials, who are saddled with hefty student loan bills, have struggled to set money aside for other purchases — from life insurance to buying a home. On average, about 7 in 10 seniors graduate with debt, owing around … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Here’s why you should buy life insurance when you are young

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): How retirees can make required minimum distributions pain free

Via CNBC By Lorie Konish Stocks had a rocky close to 2018. That doesn’t mean your required minimum distribution from retirement accounts will be lower this year as a result. RMDs, as they are commonly known, are the minimum amount individuals who are age 70½ and older must take out of their retirement funds such as individual retirement accounts or workplace-based accounts such as 401(k) … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): How retirees can make required minimum distributions pain free

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): St. Clair voters asked to renew tax for city pensions

Via Voice News By Jim Bloch Voters in the city of St. Clair will head to the polls on Nov. 5 to decide whether or not to renew a one mill property tax to help the city pay the pensions of city employees. On a house valued at $100,000, the tax would amount to $100 per year. It is one of the longest-standing voted taxes … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): St. Clair voters asked to renew tax for city pensions

Domestic Violence Awareness

By Shirley Brown, Screening and Application Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan Domestic violence is one of the most horrific crimes a person can be subjected to. The individual who commits the crime quite often goes unpunished. Perpetrators often hide their behavior from the public and seem to be ordinary upstanding people; pretending to be a loving and caring partner in public, while at home … Continue reading Domestic Violence Awareness

Maintaining Emotional Wellness

By Betsy Smith MiCAFE Network Shareholder and Partner Manager at Elder Law of Michigan Stress and depression can have adverse effects on our physical health, and when left unchecked, both can lead to chronic conditions. To raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being, October is observed as Emotional Wellness Month. Many seniors enjoy the freedom of retirement; fewer responsibilities, and more time for travel … Continue reading Maintaining Emotional Wellness

Understanding Social Security Spouse’s Benefits

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Marriage is a tradition that exists on every continent and in nearly every country. Having a partner not only means creating a family unit, it means sharing things like a home and other property. Understanding how your future retirement might affect your spouse is important. When you’re planning for your retirement, here are a few things to … Continue reading Understanding Social Security Spouse’s Benefits

Social Security Announces 1.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2020

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 69 million Americans will increase 1.6 percent in 2020, the Social Security Administration announced today. The 1.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 63 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2020. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will … Continue reading Social Security Announces 1.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2020

New: Whitmer, DHHS announce plan to ease access to public assistance

Via Michigan Advance By Allison Donahue Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director Robert Gordon on Thursday morning announced policy changes aimed at making access to food assistance and other public benefits easier for families. “These asset test policy changes are important because right now too many Michigan families are struggling to get ahead,” said Whitmer in a press … Continue reading New: Whitmer, DHHS announce plan to ease access to public assistance

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): 3 Common 401(k) Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands

Via The Motley Fool By Katie Brockman The 401(k) is one of the most powerful retirement tools out there, so if you’re lucky enough to have access to one, take advantage of it. As of 2019, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year to your 401(k), which is more than three times the annual amount you can save in a traditional or Roth IRA. … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): 3 Common 401(k) Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands

Voting: Absentee and Accessibility

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan Are you one of 7,503,397 registered voters in Michigan? If you want to verify your voter registration status, go to the Michigan Voter Information Center. There you will find two options to search: by Driver’s License number or your name (and additional details). ­You can then view important information such as the date and type of … Continue reading Voting: Absentee and Accessibility