Social Security Mythology (and Misunderstandings)—Part Two

This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. Every so often, a viral post (or a variation on it) shows up on social media about Social Security. I recently saw one—not written by but shared by a friend—expressing frustration that the government was supposedly renaming Social Security checks as “Federal Benefit … Read more

Should Retired (or Retiring Soon) Investors Now Consider Bitcoin?

Note: I first wrote about cryptocurrency a couple of years ago. This is the first of two new articles I’m going to publish about Bitcoin. In this one, I address Bitcoin as a long-term investment. In the second, I’ll discuss what role Bitcoin might play in the event of a “fiscal crisis” precipitated by the … Read more

Is Social Security Going Broke?

This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. The headlines can be concerning: “Social Security Trust Fund to Be Depleted by 2033!” “Automatic Benefit Cuts Coming!” “Bankruptcy Looms for Nation’s Largest Program!” If you’re counting on Social Security—most are, whether you’re already collecting, planning to retire soon, or decades away—these warnings … Read more

What Your Social Security Benefits Are Really Worth

This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. Most people think of Social Security as a “monthly check.” Some see it as something they paid for and therefore “earned.” Others view it as a government program that may not be available for the duration of their retirement. Many younger readers fear … Read more