This is another provision of the Social Security system that is filed under the “Little Known Facts” section – although it is becoming more known these days. How it works and what’s important about it is the subject of this article. Any worker can establish a benefit amount by applying at any time after age 62 – but he or she doesn’t have to continue receiving that benefit. The worker can immediately suspend the receipt of benefits, so that seemingly the application is moot. However, what this has done is establish a “base” for the worker’s spouse to begin receiving benefits based upon that amount.[...]

The Social Security system has provisions for taking care of surviving spouses of workers who have earned credits under the system. There are two particular benefits that you should be aware of – a small death benefit of $250, and a Survivor Benefit based upon the worker’s Primary Insurance Amount. It is the latter benefit that we are discussing today.[...]

Back in 2005, Congress voted to make major changes to Medigap plans effective June 1, 2010. While these changes are a bother, they could indirectly result in reduced premiums for these policies.

As the “modernized” Medigap plans sold after June 1 will have some differences from previous plans, insurers will be allowed to reset rates. Competition may drive premiums lower.

In order to be eligible to receive Social Security benefits – retirement, disability, or survivor benefits – a worker must earn eligibility to receive the benefits.  The general rule of thumb is that for full benefits, the worker must earn at least 40 quarters of credit within the system.
Social Security Credit
Generally speaking, a quarter of [...]

As people move into their 50s and 60s, priorities change. The hours spent on home improvements and the sheer time necessary to maintain a full-sized home seem to be a little more of a burden. As kids move on, there’s all that unneeded space.

Men and women tend to turn on the gas in the last 15-20 years of their working lives to make sure their retirement savings will be adequate to their needs. That’s why the idea of downsizing is a good one to start early. It’s also a good time for a financial check-up as well.

So what funds can be rolled over from your retirement plan into another retirement plan or IRA?  Interestingly, the IRS doesn’t specifically tell you what can be rolled over – but rather, what can not be rolled over.
Let’s look at the definition from the IRS…
Definition
Only Eligible Rollover Distributions, or ERDs, can be rolled over, according [...]