Financial Planning

 The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate information clearly in a way “the public can understand and use.” This can be particularly challenging when talking about complicated programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Medicare. Get familiar with Social Security terms as you plan for retirement. ...

Do you know someone who is making a positive impact in lives of people 50 and older? Tell us about them! Better yet, nominate them for Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond's annual Boomer Impact Awards. ...

Millions of Americans who get monthly Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments need help managing their money, and may need a representative payee. This is a person or an organization the Social Security Administration appoints to receive and manage a person’s benefits. ...

Social Security's (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, one year earlier than projected last year, with 78 percent of benefits payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund is estimated to become depleted in 2057, eight years earlier than last year’s estimate, with 91 percent of benefits still payable. ...

Did you know that the very first recipient of a Social Security check in 1939 was a woman? Now, as then, it’s important to prepare for retirement. Create your personal 'my Social Security' account to view estimates of future benefits, verify your earnings and view the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid.  ...

Want to know the best gift you can give your family? It's a will. August is Make-A-Will Month. Celebrate in style: Get your affairs in order. Your heirs will thank you. ...

Careful planning, whether in advance or in response to an unanticipated need for care, can help protect your estate while still meeting Medicaid's strict asset limits. Drill down into the details here. ...

If you own a device that contains digital content, you can pass that device on to your heirs, but there is no guarantee the content will remain. You can also give your heirs access to your passwords so they can access your account. Some estate planners are suggesting that people set up a trust to purchase online content. ...