Posted on

How To Be Cybersafe In An Increasingly Dangerous Cyberworld

Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash

Famed investor Warren Buffet, a decidedly non-techy kind of guy, has publicly stated that cyberattacks may represent a greater threat to humanity than nuclear weapons.

Microsoft estimates that the worldwide cost of cybercrimes could be as high as $500 billion. Others predict that this number could climb into the trillions of dollars in the next few years.

Cybersecurity and the protection of your financial accounts and other digital assets is a growing problem in today’s tech-dependent world.

Watch this 1-minute video to see how many of these basic strategies you are taking to be cybersafe.

 

 

Posted on

I Am Sorry For Your Loss

Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash

The death of a spouse is one of the most difficult experiences we will face in our lifetimes. The financial steps you take in the days and weeks that follow can have a major impact on your financial security as well as that of your family.

The best advice may be to simply do nothing right away.

Watch this 1-minute video for tips on what to do after your spouse passes away.

 

Posted on

A Back To School Checklist for Parents Who Want To Pay Less For College

10 steps to get your college planning on track this fall

First Day of School

On Tuesday, September 4th , my kids got on the bus and went back to school after a summer break that went by way too fast. Just two short years from now we will mark my oldest daughter’s “last first day” as she starts her senior year of high school. Cue the tears.

Going to college, a vague idea that once seemed light years into the future, is now very real. Although she doesn’t think much beyond the next few months, where she will go to school, what it will cost and how it will get paid for rest top of mind for her parents.

Maybe you are in that place now.

To get on track with your college planning check out this 10 point back to school checklist for parents who want to pay less for college.

Posted on

7 Strategies To Get More Retirement Income From Social Security

5th and final post in a series

The adage “It’s not what you make, but what you keep” applies to your Social Security benefits in retirement as much as to your paycheck when you were working. How much of your Social Security benefit you actually put in your pocket depends on your income, when you start taking benefits and other factors.

The best way for many people to put more Social Security money in their pocket may be to delay benefits up to age 70. However, that may not be possible or even the best choice for everyone.

If that describes you, consider these 7 strategies to get more retirement income from Social Security.

Posted on

How Much Of Your Social Security Benefit Is Taxable?

4th in a series

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

For the past 40 years or more you have paid into the Social Security system with the promise that someday when you retire, you will receive a guaranteed monthly income for the rest of your life. Along the way, your employer has kicked in a matching contribution equal to 100% of your contribution.

At the end of your working life there should be a giant pile of cash with your name on it. And there is (figuratively speaking anyway). But it comes with a giant string attached.

In this case, the catch is that up to 85% of your monthly benefit is considered taxable income once it’s paid out to you. What’s more, depending on the state you live in, you may owe state income tax on those benefits as well. (Bad news fellow Minnesotans. We live in one of those states).

The following post will explain how much of your benefit is taxable and what, if anything, you can do about it.