There are limits to what Medicare will or will not pay, so it’s in your best interest to stay informed. It’s outlined by service, benefit, coverage and the cost to you. Coverage is based on three factors: federal and state laws, national coverage decisions made by Medicare about whether something is covered, and local coverage decisions made by companies in each state that process claims for Medicare. (These companies decide whether something is medically necessary and should be covered in their area.)
With Part A Hospital Insurance, you usually don’t pay a premium because you or your spouse already paid for it throughout their payroll taxes when they were working. Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, including critical access hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care, but beneficiaries must meet certain conditions to get these benefits.
With Part B Medical Insurance, most people pay a monthly premium. Part B helps cover doctors’ services, outpatient care and some other medical services that Part A doesn't cover. It’s clearly defined what Medicare Parts A and B cover, so it’s up to you to plan accordingly when it comes to your retirement strategy how and when to utilize your Medicare benefits. Part D addresses drug prescription coverage.
Social Security benefits can enrich your retirement provided you can wait until age 70 to maximize your benefits. Decisions on when to take Social Security benefits are a “we” decision not a “he” decision. Women outlive their husbands the vast majority of the time, so ultimately her lifetime benefits are structured on “when” the benefits are taken. Waiting to age 70 may also include cost of living adjustments along the way that will also increase her lifetime payout. Optimizing Social Security may compel you to work until age 70 or live, at least, in a state of semi-retirement. It’s a big decision and it requires both spouses.
Creating cash flow every month isn’t an accident; it’s a deliberate act of spending wisely and saving for the future. Many consumers look to engage a professional adviser, because for most, managing your finances is not a do-it-yourself activity. ...
Released On: 1/21/2017
Views: 2956
Money market funds, CDs and savings accounts were the safe money havens of the past. But today, they’re crediting rates are so low, taxable and eroded by inflation. You worked hard for your money, so you need to make your money work hard for you. ...
Released On: 1/20/2017
Views: 3031
After the market meltdown of 2008, investors and savers alike want to have safe alternatives for portions of their money. Many near or in retirement just can’t afford another major downturn in the market, so conservative options need to be sought ...
Released On: 1/19/2017
Views: 3001
It doesn’t matter what game you like to plan, there are strategies and tactics to learn to become successful at any sport. The same is true of tax code. There are three basic moves to make that can positively affect the taxes due on your 1040. Wa ...
Released On: 1/18/2017
Views: 2510
Every investor should have a financial profile that includes a risk-tolerance assessment, timeline goals and a retirement or estate strategy. It becomes the reference point for all your money decisions and any plan alterations that will occur. Wa ...
Released On: 1/17/2017
Views: 2481
It’s really troubling in the information age an investor can’t seem to secure the true cost of their investments or consulting advice. Even when you Google—the front of all knowledge—most financial products disclosures don’t reveal the total cost ...
Released On: 1/16/2017
Views: 2657
Elder care in retirement is the greatest economic threat to seniors. Medical expenses and long-term care costs can exceed $220,000 for a married couple during their golden years, and living longer could increase the costs even further.
Released On: 1/14/2017
Views: 2821
The number-one concern of retirees is they may be outliving their money, but their number-one compliant is paying taxes during retirement. Focusing on taxes needs to be coordinated with the purchase investment products to determine investor suita ...
Released On: 1/13/2017
Views: 2569
Most retirees don’t focus on required minimum distributions. Some don’t even know what RMDs are. Only a few seniors have a handle on them and are aware of the penalties for not complying with the laws that govern RMDs.
Released On: 1/12/2017
Views: 2714
Retirement income just not just triggering a lifetime annuity and just setting it and forgetting it. Portfolio income needs many investment positions to generate retirement income to age 100.
Released On: 1/11/2017
Views: 2553
It is impossible to be in the advisory business, be altruistic and be profitable? Is there such an inherent conflict of interest between advisor and investor that the compensation models that exist today need to be scraped? The Department of Labo ...
Released On: 1/10/2017
Views: 2407
Many modern portfolio proponents use the risk-return theory of the efficient frontier to measure market returns against risk exposure. The goal is to optimize returns with the least amount of risk. If portfolio performance falls below the efficie ...
Released On: 1/9/2017
Views: 2639
More than ever, seniors in or near retirement are struggling to create a reasonable lifestyle in their golden years. Many have mortgages, short debt and family obligations, such as long-term care costs for their aging parents and unpaid college l ...
Released On: 1/7/2017
Views: 2727
Sooner or later most seniors will experience some type of morbidity or illness event during retirement. Some retirees live in single story homes, with limited or no steps at all. Walk-in bathtubs, nonskid tile and support bars can help, but they ...
Released On: 1/6/2017
Views: 3185
You’re probably being pummeled with Medicare literature in the mail, but what’s really covered? The topic is overwhelming, thanks to the complicated coverage policies. Watch the interview with retirement specialist Curt Chojnowski.
Released On: 1/5/2017
Views: 2595
Depending upon your risk tolerance and the state of your health, you may want to consider TAMRA compliant cash value life insurance designed for accumulation and not necessarily as a death benefit.Watch the interview with retirement specialist Cu ...
Released On: 1/4/2017
Views: 2537
Most seniors and retirement advisers focus on qualified plan monies. But there are non-qualified monies that could make the difference between experiencing retirement prosperity or retirement poverty. Watch the interview with retirement specialis ...
Released On: 1/3/2017
Views: 2499
The nations of the world continue to print money, expand their governments and obligate their taxpayers with debt they can’t repay. The world economy is so interconnected, that when the first domino falls it will cause a rippling effect of a worl ...
Released On: 1/2/2017
Views: 3267