This phrase sums up what retirement should be for every Boomer and GenXer: The heart of retirement lies in freedom. The freedom to pursue passions, reinvent oneself, and live authentically. A philosophy we might all aspire to. And a goal that’s not so easy to achieve. These words of wisdom come from my long-time colleague, David Conti. He is tackling this retirement thing … [Read more...] about The Heart of Retirement Lies in Freedom
WEP and GPO repealed—it took Congress 23 years to act
Many retired public sector workers will finally get the Social Security benefit they earned So, how is your New Year starting out? For nearly 3.5 million retirees who earned a pension from working in the public sector, it’s starting out great. That’s because after 23 years of haranguing in Congress, both houses finally passed the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023. In an … [Read more...] about WEP and GPO repealed—it took Congress 23 years to act
This is the year to reshop your Part D plan!
Do Not Skip Reshopping for 2025 during the Open Enrollment Period Well, this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment Period is loaded for bear. It is definitely not the year to skip reshopping your Part D plan. The window to reshop your Part D plan is open only between October 15 and December 7. The sheer number of changes for 2025 is staggering. Every person with a Part D plan … [Read more...] about This is the year to reshop your Part D plan!
2025 Social Security COLA set at 2.5%
There’s always a tremendous amount of speculation about Social Security’s annual cost of living (COLA) increase. In fact, the first soothsayers stir the pot as early as February or March each year. Yet the COLA is only announced after inflation rates are known for the third quarter. Right on time, the Social Security Administration released the 2025 Social Security COLA on … [Read more...] about 2025 Social Security COLA set at 2.5%
ERISA Turns 50. Happy Birthday!
Have you embraced becoming your own pension manager? When I was 13 years old, then President Gerald Ford celebrated Labor Day by signing ERISA into law. ERISA is the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (pronounced a-ris-a). And it is one of the most sweeping and influential laws that affects every worker in the country. This year ERISA turns 50! And you’ve either … [Read more...] about ERISA Turns 50. Happy Birthday!