Christine Hradsky No Comments

Report Warns Retirees about Potential Downsides of Reverse Mortgages

Reverse Mortgages

The IRS is warning senior citizens against taking out reverse mortgages.

Reverse mortgages have been around for years. But they’re getting a new spin: Some senior homeowners are tapping into their home equity to “bridge the gap” until the time they’re ready to apply for Social Security benefits.

However, an independent consumer agency — the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — is cautioning retirees against using this strategy. A recent CFPB report claims that the costs and risks associated with a reverse mortgage often exceed the cumulative increase in Social Security benefits you would receive by delaying benefits.  Read more

Christine Hradsky No Comments

Understand Your Social Security Retirement Benefits

Social Security Retirement

Understand your Social Security Retirement Benefits

For years, people have questioned the viability of the Social Security system going forward. In July, the Social Security Board of Trustees released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds.

The report projects that the combined asset reserves of the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds will become depleted in 2034, unless Congress takes action to reverse the situation.

In general, people approaching retirement age often have other questions about benefits they may be eligible to receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here are common concerns regarding the Social Security system.

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