Useful Social Security Facts

By Tony Kendzior, CLU, ChFC These facts about Social Security are intended as general information for those planning to file for Social Security benefits. The idea is to help you get what you are entitled to and not leave dollars behind that can’t be recovered. You should seek guidance from the Social Security Administration (SSA) …

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Beneficiary Designations: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid

My Comments: First, a disclaimer: I’m not an attorney. Second, in my 43 years as a financial planner and investment advisor, I’ve run across more than a few beneficiary mistakes that have been problematical. With all of us having a finite time on this earth, the issue of what happens to our stuff when we …

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Forget millennials — the real financial time bomb in America is Gen X

My Comments: Which generation are you from? I’m in front of the baby boomers, of whom there are many millions. They surfaced following World War II. And fueled the growth of America and it’s influence across the world. The millennials are essentially the baby boomers grandkids. That leaves Gen X as the children of the …

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Another financial crisis is coming, and thanks to Donald Trump, we may not be able to solve it

My Comments: David Brown says current conditions resemble those of 2007-08, but a wave of populist nationalism spearheaded by the US president is undermining global institutions that ended the Great Recession. Will you be ready for another Great Depression? I've long argued we are years away from the next iteration of the Great Depression of …

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Retirement living: 28% of seniors say it’s worse than expected

My Comments: Let me disclose upfront that some of my income today results from people signing up and taking courses from Successful Retirement Secrets, an online school I created to help people retire. The message from this post by Katie Brockman (some 18 months ago) is that most of those who say they are unhappy …

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The Most Important Social Security Chart* You’ll Ever See

My Comments: *Actually, it's not the most important, but... The message that accompanies this chart is very important. Read further before you start looking for the chart. No one has ever said this was going to be simple and it’s not. But it’s critical you make an effort to understand all this since Social Security …

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Should high schools be required to teach financial literacy?

My Comments: Those of us with years under our belt know how confusing issues about money become. Without a working knowledge of how it works, we become quick victims of those willing to reach into our pockets and help themselves to our money. But, you say, it’s the American way. Some argue vehemently to limit …

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A 20-step Guide to a Horrible Retirement

My Comments: Retirement is not all about money. Yes, having enough money helps a lot, but it’s only part of the puzzle. These 20 steps leaped out at me because so many of them are the default response for millions of people these days. For over 43 years, I’ve spent my life helping people grow …

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Is a Stock Market Correction in the Cards?

My Comments: I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of thinking about this. Frankly, it can’t happen soon enough for me since I’ve been getting ready for the next one for several years now. And it’s kept me from being confident enough to put my money where it will grow in a meaningful way. …

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3 Big Reasons to Check Your Social Security Statement

My Comments: By now you know that I spend time promoting my online school created to help people retire. Of the four modules of the primary course, one of them is devoted to Social Security. For most of us, retirement is a transition from working for money to not working for money. As that happens, …

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