Is it Better to Retire at 62 or 67? A Comprehensive Guide to Social Security Benefits

The opinions expressed in this free article may not align with those of The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Sign up for a Motley Fool membership now to gain immediate access to our best analyst picks, in-depth analysis, investing tools, and more. Learn More. Key Takeaways: Claiming Social Security at 62 results in a 30% … Read more

Can You Lose All Your Money in an Annuity?

Understanding the Risks and Guarantees Annuities are popular retirement savings vehicles that offer a variety of benefits, including guaranteed income streams, tax-deferred growth, and principal protection. However, there are some potential risks associated with annuities, and it’s important to understand these risks before investing. Types of Annuities and Their Risk Profiles There are two main … Read more

Understanding the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS): Benefits, Contributions, and More

One of the UK’s most generous pension plans is the LGPS. The LGPS is a defined benefit plan that is tied to salaries and is unaffected by changes in the stock market or the performance of investments. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is one of the largest pension schemes in the UK, offering valuable … Read more

Can You Collect Both Your Own Social Security and a Portion of Your Spouse’s Benefits?

The amount you receive if you qualify for Social Security spousal benefits will depend on several factors, such as your age, your spouse’s benefit amount, and whether you are eligible for other retirement benefits. Who is eligible? After you reach the eligibility age, anyone whose spouse, ex-spouse, or deceased spouse was or is eligible for … Read more

Does a Gift of Money Affect Your Social Security Benefits?

The holiday season is a time for giving and receiving gifts, but it’s important to understand how gifts can affect your Social Security benefits. This guide will help you understand how gifts are treated by Social Security for the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) programs. SSDI and Gifts The good … Read more

What is Considered a Small Inheritance? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managing Your Inheritance

Generally speaking, a large inheritance is an amount that is much greater than your average annual income. It varies from person to person. Inheriting $100,000 or more is often considered sizable. This is a substantial amount of money, so managing it carefully is crucial to achieving your financial objectives. A financial advisor or wealth manager … Read more

Can You Live Your Whole Life Off $2 Million? A Comprehensive Guide

Imagine a retirement free from financial constraints, where you can travel the world or the country in a brand-new RV. Making your $2 million last in retirement is difficult, even with special access to the same cheat sheets we utilize to assist our clients in retiring. Investors who want to maintain their hard-earned lifestyle into … Read more

Understanding Social Security Survivors Benefits: Eligibility and Application Process

Organizing your finances after the death of a spouse takes precedence over many other new goals, such as paying tribute to their memory, locating resources for support, and concentrating on your own recovery. Figuring out benefits such as Social Security can feel overwhelming. Do you receive your spouse’s Social Security benefits upon their death? Depending … Read more