Valuable Social Security claiming strategy
People born prior to Jan. 1, 1954, who are currently married or divorced may be able to file a restricted claim for spousal benefits, says Mary Beth Franklin, who explains the ins and outs of this claiming strategy.
What to tell clients about the Social Security trust fund
Clients are worried about Social Security running out of money, but the votes of the 70 million people who receive benefits are likely to convince Congress to fix the problem, Mary Beth Franklin says.
Pluses and minuses of Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment
Social Security’s 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment for 2022 is the biggest hike in 40 years for those receiving benefits, Mary Beth Franklin says, but it also raises the limit on wages subject to FICA taxes to $147,000 next year, up from $142,800.
Mary Beth Franklin: Encourage shopping during Medicare open enrollment
Retirees should reconsider Medicare coverage choices this year even if they haven't before, according to InvestmentNews' contributing editor Mary Beth Franklin.
Social Security COLA not great news for 2020, says Mary Beth Franklin
InvestmentNews contributing editor Mary Beth Franklin.
Mary Beth Franklin: Good news on Medicare surcharges
Starting in 2020, Medicare high-income surcharges will be indexed to inflation, according to InvestmentNews contributing editor Mary Beth Franklin.
Mary Beth Franklin: How clients can afford to delay Social Security
Clients who don't want to continue working past age 66 can access retirement savings early, buy a short-term fixed payout annuity or use a reverse mortgage for a few years.
How to protect against identity theft
Cybersecurity is overlooked all too often when it comes to Social Security data. Here's a firsthand account of why it’s necessary.
Mary Beth Franklin’s advice for optimizing Social Security claiming strategies
InvestmentNews' retirement guru Mary Beth Franklin offers strategies you can put into place that may significantly increase your clients' Social Security draw.
Mary Beth Franklin and Katy Votava: How to avoid big Social Security and Medicare penalties
Mary Beth Franklin, contributing editor at InvestmentNews, and Katy Votava, president at Goodcare.com, discuss the rules you need to keep in mind to get the most out of these programs.