Beyond Bulls & Bears

Tag: Gail Buckner

Time for Social Security’s Shot in the Arm
Perspectives

Time for Social Security’s Shot in the Arm

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for individuals and economies around the world. Gail Buckner, our personal retirement and financial planning strategist, shares her thoughts on how the pandemic has affected a key source of income for many elderly Americans—Social Security—and why it’s time to take action to shore up the program.

Gail Buckner, CFP |
Don’t Forget About Your Other Retirement Plan
Education

Don’t Forget About Your Other Retirement Plan

As headlines revolve around the impact of the coronavirus and the costs of government spending packages to keep the economy afloat, the state of Social Security is one thing we can find at least some assurance in, says Gail Buckner, our personal retirement and financial planning strategist. She takes a look at the latest Social Security Trustees’ Report, released on April 22.

Gail Buckner, CFP |
Social Security Giveth and Medicare Taketh Away
Education

Social Security Giveth and Medicare Taketh Away

Retirees got some good news from the US Social Security Administration, as it recently announced a 2.8% bump in benefits in 2019, the largest increase in seven years. Unfortunately, the good news also came with some bad news—higher Medicare premiums that could offset those gains. Gail Buckner, CFP, our personal retirement and financial planning strategist, takes a look at the situation.

Gail Buckner, CFP |
Social Security: It’s Healthier Than You Might Think!
Education

Social Security: It’s Healthier Than You Might Think!

Each year, Social Security’s Trustees report to Congress on the financial status of the program. This typically generates a number of anxiety-provoking media headlines about if/when it will run out of money. Gail Buckner, CFP, our personal retirement and financial planning strategist, takes a look at the facts. She says Social Security is actually in pretty good shape overall.

Gail Buckner, CFP |
Survey Highlights Women’s Retirement Insecurities
Education

Survey Highlights Women’s Retirement Insecurities

There has been heightened discussion recently about women’s inequality in many areas of society—including financial security. Gail Buckner, CFP, our personal retirement and financial planning strategist, explores the gender pay gap and how it has contributed to a poorer post-working life for many older women. She also explores a 2018 Franklin Templeton survey which revealed even younger women are generally feeling insecure about their financial futures.

Gail Buckner, CFP |
Elderly Americans Now Have New Protections to Help Combat Financial Fraud
Education

Elderly Americans Now Have New Protections to Help Combat Financial Fraud

Elder abuse, including forms of financial fraud, is a widespread problem that many of us don’t give much thought about—until it happens to one of our loved ones, or even ourselves. Gail Buckner, CFP, our personal retirement and financial planning strategist, explores the subject of elder financial abuse and new protections that will soon be in place to help thwart it.

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear about Social Security!
Education

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear about Social Security!

“Some people believe Social Security is going to disappear within a matter of years. That means retirees and those living on disability insurance will get nothing. As in nada, zippo, the big fat zero … How likely is this? Not. At. All.” - Gail Buckner, CFP®.

Gail Buckner, CFP |
Despite Scary Headlines, No Big Changes to Social Security’s Outlook
Education

Despite Scary Headlines, No Big Changes to Social Security’s Outlook

Every year the Trustees of the US Social Security and Medicare trust funds provide their report on the current and projected financial status of these programs. Gail Buckner, CFP, our personal retirement and financial planning strategist, takes a look at this year’s scorecard from the Trustees. She says media headlines or political rhetoric suggesting Social Security is near death are greatly exaggerated.

Gail Buckner, CFP |
The Least-Known Tax Break?
Education

The Least-Known Tax Break?

Gail Buckner, CFP, our personal retirement and financial planning strategist, walks through a little-known tax credit called the “Saver’s Credit” you may want to learn more about.

Gail Buckner, CFP |
Cracking the Code on Social Security Benefits
Education

Cracking the Code on Social Security Benefits

Gail Buckner, CFP, cracks the code on how Social Security benefits are calculated, and offers some strategies on how to maximize it.

Gail Buckner, CFP |
Don’t Plan on Being Average
Education

Don’t Plan on Being Average

Even if you are years away from retirement, it’s never too soon to start thinking about how you’ll get there—and how much you’ll need when you are ...

Gail Buckner, CFP |
Social Security Looks Pretty Good. But Medicare’s Another Story.
Education

Social Security Looks Pretty Good. But Medicare’s Another Story.

On an annual basis, the Trustees of the US Social Security and Medicare trust funds provide their report on the current and projected financial ...

Gail Buckner, CFP |