General Retirement Planning

How Long Does it Take to Process Social Security Retirement Benefits?
How Long Does it Take to Process Social Security Retirement Benefits?

It can take up to six weeks for you to have your Social Security retirement benefits processed, but, if you have any missing documentation, or if the SSA needs additional information, it might take longer. The SSA's workload can also increase your processing time if many ...

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More in General Retirement Planning

Social Security Benefits Payee Rules
Social Security Benefits Payee Rules

If someone receiving Social Security retirement, disability or supplemental security income benefits is institutionalized, or unable to handle his money, he may have a representative payee handle ...Read More

Tax Guidelines for Seniors
Tax Guidelines for Seniors

The golden years should bring enough leisure time to enjoy life, as well as some useful tax benefits. Unfortunately, preparing the annual tax return will remain a necessary chore as your retirement ...Read More

What Percentage of Retirement Money Should Be in Stocks For a 73-Year-Old?
What Percentage of Retirement Money Should Be in Stocks For a 73-Year-Old?

Asset allocation, including how much of your money to keep in stocks, takes on added importance during retirement. Your nest egg must provide income for living expenses and keep up with inflation. ...Read More

Veterans Administration Retirement Benefits
Veterans Administration Retirement Benefits

Military men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces may be entitled to retirement benefits through the Veterans Administration, or VA. These retirement benefits include pensions, medical care, ...Read More

Should I Withdraw My Bond Funds Before My Stock Funds in Retirement?
Should I Withdraw My Bond Funds Before My Stock Funds in Retirement?

Retirement isn't what it used to be. Folks are living and working longer, putting off retirement sometimes well into their 70s or even 80s. As you get older, your tolerance for risk might decrease, ...Read More

Does the Inheritance of an Annuity Affect Social Security Payments?
Does the Inheritance of an Annuity Affect Social Security Payments?

Receiving an inheritance annuity doesn’t affect all types of Social Security payments, but it can affect some some Social Security benefits depending on the amount of your inheritance annuity and any ...Read More

Why Choose a Nonqualified Retirement Plan
Why Choose a Nonqualified Retirement Plan

The many choices in retirement plans can be confusing for both employers and employees. Nonqualified retirement plans are the gray area of retirement planning, appealing to small businesses and large ...Read More

Can Veterans With 2 Years Active Duty Receive Additional Social Security Benefits?
Can Veterans With 2 Years Active Duty Receive Additional Social Security Benefits?

U.S. veterans who served on active duty after January 1, 1957, and before December 31, 2001, receive additional Social Security earnings credit for their service. This credit applies only to that ...Read More

How to Take Annuitization Payouts From Deferred Annuities
How to Take Annuitization Payouts From Deferred Annuities

A deferred annuity allows you to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. Taking an annuitization payout from the annuity converts those savings into a monthly retirement income. Remember that ...Read More

Categories of Retirement Savings
Categories of Retirement Savings

It's never too late or early to start planning for retirement. Regardless of the type of plan you choose, review your plan regularly and understand all the terms. If you are currently employed, ...Read More

Military Retirement Benefits for Ex-Spouses
Military Retirement Benefits for Ex-Spouses

In 1981, the Supreme Court ruled that military retired pay could not be regarded as joint property and divided during a divorce. Following that ruling, Congress passed the Uniformed Services Former ...Read More

Who Is Eligible for Funds From Railroad Retirement?
Who Is Eligible for Funds From Railroad Retirement?

Congress created the Railroad Retirement Board in 1937 because private railroad pensions at the time were inadequate. The program was intended to operate in a similar manner to Social Security. An ...Read More

Can a Person on Social Security Invest in Stocks?
Can a Person on Social Security Invest in Stocks?

Whether you receive Social Security benefits for retirement, disability or Supplementary Security Income, you can freely invest in stocks. Investment income is considered unearned in many cases. ...Read More

Does a Child Who Has JRA or JIA Get Social Security Benefits?
Does a Child Who Has JRA or JIA Get Social Security Benefits?

A child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may qualify for Social Security benefits if the arthritis qualifies as a disability. This means the juvenile ...Read More