There’s an old axiom that says nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. True enough. But there’s one other thing that’s certain; we’re all going to retire—sometime. The number one retirement question I’m asked is, “What is the perfect age to retire?” Close on its heels is, “When should I start taking Social Security?” The Social Security question [...]
Alhambra's Bob Williams tells you whether you are automatically enrolled in Medicare when you reach age 65.
Alhambra's Bob Williams describes Social Security Breakeven Age and how it can help determine when to begin receiving your Social Security benefit.
Alhambra's Bob Williams describes how working past age 70, after delayed credits have stopped, can still increase your Social Security benefit.
There’s a common misconception that Medicare is a simple, automatic process when you turn 65. Nothing could be further from the truth. The responsibility to enroll is on your shoulders, and if you miss deadlines or don’t enroll in just the right way, you can incur penalties that will consume chunks of your retirement income for the rest of your [...]
There was dancing in the streets when Social Security announced that 2022 checks will go up by 5.9%, the biggest Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 40 years. But now, the streets are empty and the cheering is gone. Most of that Social Security COLA will be eaten up by increases in Medicare. Medicare Part B, which covers doctor services [...]
The maximum contribution limits to tax-deferred savings accounts have been set for 2022. You can put more into employer-sponsored plans, but not individual accounts. IRA contribution limits, whether Traditional or Roth, will remain the same as it has been since 2019. You can contribute $6,000 and if you are age 50 or higher, you can make a $1,000 catch-up contribution. [...]
Like most people, I don’t want to pay more taxes than necessary. That common-sense approach to money began when I got my first job at the age of 13. I was paid $1.50/hour, slightly above the $1.30 minimum wage. I calculated exactly how much my first paycheck would be. But when I got it, somebody must have used new math, [...]
Alhambra's Bob Williams answers the question, "What do I do if I choose the wrong Medicare Plan?".
Talk to anyone who’s about to go on Medicare and they’ll tell you that figuring out what plan to choose will make you pull your hair out (which is probably not covered by Medicare). There are so many things to consider, from drug coverage, to copays and coinsurance, emergency room visits, hospital stays, the network of available doctors, the network [...]
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