Social Security. Medicare. Your 401(k). Taxes. Housing. Long-term care.
Apparently we were all supposed to know this stuff.
We explain it in normal English, one surprise at a time.
Some of these rules are strange.
Some are expensive.
Most of them make perfect sense once somebody finally explains them.
Social Security has a funding problem. That does not mean your check goes to zero. Even if lawmakers made no changes before the trust funds run short, payroll taxes would still fund most scheduled benefits.
Most people get Part A without a monthly premium, but Part B has a monthly cost. Drug coverage, supplemental coverage, deductibles and copays can add more.
Most traditional retirement money went in before income taxes were paid. When the money comes back out, the taxable portion generally counts as income.
It is called a Roth conversion. You pay the tax on the converted amount now so qualified Roth withdrawals later can come out tax-free.
Depending on your other income, part of your Social Security may be taxable. IRA withdrawals, wages, interest and other income can all affect it.
If your own retirement benefit is lower, you may qualify for an additional spousal benefit based on your spouse's work record.
Losing job-based insurance before Medicare does not automatically mean you have to keep working. ACA Marketplace coverage may bridge the years before Medicare.
Medicare can cover certain short-term skilled care. It generally does not pay for years of help with everyday living.
These withdrawals are called Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs. For most Gen Xers born in 1960 or later, they begin at age 75 under current law.
A smaller house can still come with a higher mortgage rate, HOA fees, closing costs, moving expenses, taxes and insurance.
Social Security, explained like a normal person
Medicare and health insurance, without the alphabet soup
Your 401(k), IRA and Roth, explained from the beginning
Retirement taxes, for people who do not want to become tax accountants
Your house may be part home, part retirement account and part trap
Retirement math changes when there is only one of you
The biggest pension number is not automatically the best deal
Investing changes when the paycheck stops
Long-term care is not the same thing as healthcare