Category Archives: Regular Blog

Here’s a financial truth that few people really understand. Business people refer to it as “Opportunity Cost” – but it holds true for everyone in just about every financial purchase. I realize we have to spend money to eat and sleep… but when you make a major purchase like a car, boat or anything that you can’t pay for out of money cash-flow, this financial concept should be kept in mind. It’s been said that “compounding interest” is the 8th wonder of the … Continue reading

I just found out that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced what’s in store for 2018 Medicare Part B premiums. The base premium stays the same as this year (2017) at $134 a month for many people. However there are some big changes for the 70% of current Social Security recipients who have been paying a  much lower amount of $109 a month. These folks will see a big jump to the $134 a month level. These folks will likely not see much or … Continue reading

On a scale of 1 to 10, what’s your number that represents how confident you are in your retirement income plan? Every week I get calls from people from across the country who have read one or more of my books, or visit with folks in my office who’ve come to one of my retirement classes at a local college or joined me for an all-day workshop. And they all have one thing in common. They all want their number … Continue reading

Every year during open enrollment (that runs between Oct 15 – Dec 7th this year) Medicare recipients can choose to change their current plan to another plan, add Part C (all-inclusive Medicare Advantage plan) or D (prescription drug plan). Last year I wrote about the importance of comparing your Medicare supplement plans each and every year (in order to try and save money or get benefits that are more aligned with any changes in your health).  You can read my previous … Continue reading

The Social Security Administration has just announced a 2% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) beginning in January 2018 for those receiving SS checks. This is the largest increase since 2012 (only 0.3% for 2017 and none for 2016). The “average” SS check amount will rise about $27 per month and of course larger checks will be increased even more. However, what remains to be seen is how big the Medicare Part B premium increase will be for 2018. Any premium increase will partially or … Continue reading