The Federal Government announced that Social Security recipients will get a 3.6% increase in benefits next year, the first increase since 2009. The increase applies to checks for 2012. Since 1975, benefits have been tied to inflation and almost always went up, but the recession of the last few years has left the inflation index lower or unchanged, so Social Security benefits were unchanged in 2010 and 2011, as well (they can't go down). But, this doesn't mean what you get will actually go up, there will be increases in Medicare costs as well. Speaking of which, the open enrollment period for Medicare plans is going on right now (it started and ends earlier this year than in previous years) so it's time to review your plan and either stay with it, or pick a new one for next year.
By Edward H. Adamsky “The potentially catastrophic consequences of becoming disabled and needing long-term care is arguably the gravest financial risk that older adults face” says an Urban Institute report. But, will it happen to you? And, if so, have you saved enough money to pay for it? These are the worries we all face as we age. This is a worry even for younger folks because an accident or illness could trigger the need for care at any time. The Urban Institute report shows that even though there are 6 million older Americans who need assistance with their activities of daily living, only about 500,000 folks are actually in nursing homes. Some use paid at-home care and many rely on unpaid family care. It seems that your chances of needing and paying for expenses care are relatively low. The stated average cost in the report is $138,000 for the ...
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