Oct 10 How to teach self-control and reduce economic inequality By Walter Mischel If taught young, self-control skills can have strong protective effects, even helping those whose vulnerabilities might make them more likely to fall behind economically. That's according to Walter Mischel, author of "The Marshmallow Test," in part four of his conversation… Continue reading
Oct 06 You have your Social Security strategy all wrong By Laurence Kotlikoff Larry Kotlikoff explains that remarried retirees cannot collect spousal benefits from an ex-wife or ex-husband, and steers a couple away from a Social Security strategy that wouldn't have worked for them. Continue reading
Sep 29 What’s the cost of returning to work after taking Social Security early? By Laurence Kotlikoff Benefit reductions from the earnings test can wreak havoc on your budget, explains Social Security expert Larry Kotlikoff, because they're not pro-rated. In other words, a retiree who has gone back to work to make ends meet after taking benefits… Continue reading
Sep 24 Why half of U.S. adults no longer believe in the American dream By Simone Pathe If the economy is the most important issue to voters this fall, how do they feel about their own financial well-being? Half of U.S. adults think they're better off than their kids will be, with even middle class households facing… Continue reading
Sep 08 You’re not the only loser when taking Social Security early By Laurence Kotlikoff Social Security expert Larry Kotlikoff has long encouraged you to wait until age 70 to collect your retirement benefit. But you're not the only one who will lose by taking it early. Taking benefits before full retirement age also reduces… Continue reading
Aug 11 Social Security and Viagra: A case of accidental death and widows benefits By Laurence Kotlikoff There are countless rules governing Social Security benefits, and just as many exceptions to those rules, including one for "accidental death," which allows widow(er)s to receive survivor benefits even after having been married less than the requisite nine months. Larry… Continue reading
Aug 04 How do stay-at-home parents collect Social Security? By Laurence Kotlikoff Social Security expert Larry Kotilkoff advises several couples nearing retirement how to collect benefits when one spouse hasn't worked outside the home. Continue reading
Jul 28 What all Americans and their representatives need to know about Social Security By Laurence Kotlikoff Before testifying in front of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, Larry Kotlikoff shares with Making Sen$e readers and their representatives need to know about how benefits are administered and what policy changes should be enacted to… Continue reading
Jul 21 Will Social Security tell me if I’m leaving benefits on the table? By Laurence Kotlikoff How do you know if you're taking all the Social Security benefits you could be? Larry Kotlikoff presents the cautionary tale of one couple who devised their Social Security collection plan early in retirement, only to find out much later… Continue reading
Jul 14 How Social Security should guide when you marry a younger partner By Laurence Kotlikoff When there's an age difference between partners, and one is eligible for Social Security long before the other, when should the couple tie the knot? Social Security expert Larry Kotlikoff advises one man how to maximize his own benefits and… Continue reading