What to consider during government shutdown

Morsa Images | Digitalvision | Getty Images Medicare open enrollment kicked off on Oct. 15, with one notable difference for beneficiaries who are considering updating their health insurance plans — the federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1. Updates related to Medicare open enrollment — which runs through Dec. 7 — will continue…

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Social Security’s retirement age language may change

Brothers91 | E+ | Getty Images Deciding when to claim Social Security retirement benefits is a big decision — and Congress is looking at changing the program’s wording to help people better understand their options. Understanding the trade-offs for claiming at different ages can be confusing, and some experts say the terms the agency currently…

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What to consider before retiring early

Alistair Berg | Digitalvision | Getty Images While you may hope to step out of the workforce sooner rather than later, it’s easier said than done, experts say.  On average, surveyed Americans, asked “What age should you be” for retirement, said 58, according to a recent report by Empower, which polled 1,001 adults on June…

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Having a bridge strategy can help

M Swiet Productions | Getty Images Eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits starts at age 62. But for prospective beneficiaries who can wait, the biggest benefit becomes available at age 70. For many retirees, that poses a dilemma — how to fund those interim years while they wait to claim that highest monthly benefit check….

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