“Incorporating an income annuity into a retirement portfolio increases income, cuts retirement stress and boosts retirees’ confidence, according to a study by researchers Michael Finke and Wade Pfau from The American College. Income annuities lower the risk of outliving savings in retirement without lowering overall income, compared with an investment-only approach, the study found.” Retirement…
Month: April 2019
Where to put your "safe" money when interest rates are low
Low interest rates are great when you are borrowing money but frustrating for savers, especially retirees who seek to keep up with inflation but want to avoid risk. Of course, the best way to keep up with or beat inflation, at least before taxes, is to invest in stocks. But you don’t want all your…
Medicare Part B cost going up
According to The Wall Street Journal (4/23/19) the cost of Medicare part B premiums for 2020 will likely increase $8.80/month from $135.50 to $144.30. The previous increase was from $134 in 2018.While Medicare part A that covers hospitalization is usually free for most Americnas 65 and older, Part B charges a monthly premium that ranges…
Don’t make your family guess your health care wishes
Writing in The Salt Lake Tribune (4/15/19), Chad Bittner, MD explains the need for an Advance Health Care Directive. April 15-19 is national health Care Decisions Week.It is very important to have conversations with family about end of life wishes and now is the time; not tomorrow, next week, or sometime…. Fewer than 30% of…
A Guide to Student Loan Forgiveness
Consumer Reports offers A Guide to Student Loan ForgivenessRecent news suggests it is almost impossible to get one’s student loans forgiven, especially under the current administration and Education Secretary Betsy DeVoss. However, it may be worth a try with the help of Consumer Reports. “The 12-year-old federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) is one…
Utah State Treasurer has $370 million in Unclaimed Property
OK… This is NOT a scam. Every state has unclaimed property awaiting claim by owners or their rightful descendants. What is unclaimed property? Examples include forgotten utility deposits, life insurance payouts, health insurance reimbursements for overpayments, and contents of safe deposit boxes.When my parents died I checked with the appropriate authorities in New York state.…