Social Security Column By Essie L. Landry Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Sierra West Area National Social Security Month is celebrated in April and is dedicated to educating you about Social Security programs and services. From programs that help support you through life’s journey, to services that...
When making decisions about whether to continue working or take time off after a cancer diagnosis, it is important to understand your options so that you can make an educated decision. Disability insurance (e.g., SSDI) is a way to replace your wages if you need...
Do you have a 401k or 403b retirement plan at work? If you do, then you may be able to take out a loan from your retirement plan or make a hardship withdrawal. Plans are not required to offer either option, but offer one or both: ...
Do you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Is there still money in it that you haven’t spent in 2017? Don’t let those pre-tax dollars go to waste! With an FSA, you can pay for medical expenses for you, your spouse, children under 27, and other...
In order to avoid unexpected medical bills, it is important to know how your health plan works and how a practice referred to "balance billing" can affect you. Most plans have a specific network of doctors and facilities that their members can use for their...
Tai Prohaska, MPH Manager of Strategic Alliances, Allsup Most people don’t know much about the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program until they have to stop working because of an illness or injury. Then, one of their first questions is, “Am I eligible?” They may qualify for...
Need Cash? Is early withdrawal from a retirement plan right for you? Have you been financially impacted by a cancer diagnosis? Need access to money to pay your medical bills or daily living expenses? Withdrawing money from your retirement plans may be an option for you. ...
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate released its revised proposal to overhaul health insurance in America. Unfortunately, this new version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA-2) would still cause significant harm to the cancer community. For clarity, here we will focus just on the changes to the...
by Kristi Sullivan, CFP Chances are high that when I mention the idea of a reverse mortgage to clients, I’ll be met with a very sour expression. I think this is because of the impression that these instruments are expensive and that you give up ownership of...
At the beginning of 2016, headlines all over the country read something like “63% Of Americans Don't Have Enough Savings to Cover A $500 Emergency.” This alarming statistic was according to a 2015 study by Bankrate.com. What it really meant is that nearly two-thirds of...