When FDR started Social Security in 1935, the goal was to make the program self-funding. That way, he hoped no politician would be able to hold it hostage to funding from general revenues. The funding would come from a special tax on wages paid equally by employer and employee. In addition, any income tax revenues […]

This week, we saw large scale rioting on television that is happening in France. The President is trying to increase the official retirement age from 62 to 64. People are protesting in the streets and trying to put pressure on the government to stop this change. They feel that the rules are changing in the […]

As we approach Christmas Eve, 2022, it has been a difficult year for many Americans. Inflation is at a forty year high, the stock market has lost billions of dollars, and there is crisis all over the world. But we also have to be thankful for as we approach the holiday.             Today, I think […]

One of the biggest expenses during retirement for many people is taxes. When retirement systems changed during the 1980’s, many workers lost the option of receiving a defined benefit pension. Under that system, companies funded the retirement of their workers. The companies bore the investment risk and guaranteed a certain benefit to workers usually based […]

            This week we are going to discuss some financial things you should consider before the end of the year. As you read this, there are only about three weeks left and many financial companies work with skeleton crews during the holiday. This means time is of the essence.             First, make sure you have […]