Considering how important an income source Social Security benefits have become for U.S. retirees, many Americans demonstrate a poor understanding of this vital program.
In fact, a recent study found that almost half (49%) of U.S. adults aren’t certain how much of their income Social Security replaces (or will replace).1 Likewise, 49% of survey respondents believed — incorrectly — that their benefits would increase at full retirement age if they file to receive benefits early.1
Cyberattacks are more prevalent than ever. The most recent report from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Report calls the increase in cyberattacks in 2021 “unprecedented.”1 What’s more, the IRS claims COVID-19 pandemic-related scams, such as Economic Impact Payment and tax refund scams, are still a concern for taxpayers.2
Social media is an integral part of the lives of many people across the country — to the tune of roughly seven-in-ten Americans using it.1 Aside from sharing memes and cute puppy videos, many professionals can leverage different social media networks to grow their audience — and maybe their business as well.
So, what role can social media play in helping you grow? Let’s review how you can boost their messages to a greater audience by being part of their daily scroll.
As we embark on another new year, many have been curious about the cost of living adjustments (COLA) they’ll see for 2023. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made the updates available, and these adjustments have the marks of the current inflation crisis all over it.
Here we go again. Central banks around the world, especially the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), declare inflation rates are too high and commit to bringing them down via interest rates hikes. Markets react negatively as the cost of capital rises. Time passes and investors become convinced hikes are about to end and the Fed will soon pivot to rate cuts.
Securing one’s continued insurance coverage through retirement is critical. With so much to take care of, it can be overwhelming for retirees to make sure everything is in order as they sunset out of working life. Medicare in particular can be confusing.
Those on the cusp of retirement may begin to have more questions about how to navigate the complexities of Medicare. Here’s an overview of Medicare’s parts and retirees’ healthcare options that can help inform financial and human resources professionals who often face questions from workers as retirement approaches.
If your direct contribution qualified plan includes shares in company stock, you’ll want to create opportunities to talk to older and/or long-term participants about tax strategies as their eligibility for distribution approaches.
Why? Because plan sponsors and advisors can play a key role in helping those employees get access to a greater proportion of those assets’ value as retirement income.
In a recent study, nearly two thirds of U.S. adults agreed that their financial planning could use some improvement, yet only a little over a third reported working with a financial professional.1 Getting employees on board and contributing to a retirement plan is already an important step toward improving their future financial security, but sponsors and financial professionals can do more to help participants better understand and anticipate their income needs in retirement.
As a financial professional, you’re well versed in the lingo and jargon of the industry. Terms like “fiduciary” or “pension risk transfer” may roll off your tongue with ease. You’ve also gained a full understanding of the importance of taking action ahead of retirement to ensure comfortable living. Those you advise or guide through defined contribution plans, however, may not be nearly as versed as you.
