Planning for Retirement

Provides a link to order a free book about ten Ponzi scams that took place in 2009. The book also captures, in words and pictures, a behind-the-scenes look at the lifestyles of the schemers.

What every kid should know about Social Security. This site provides materials for parents, children, young adults, and teachers to learn about Social Security and what it means for them.

This website provides information and guidance on understanding your Social Security Statement -- which is a concise, easy-to-read personal record of the earnings on which you have paid Social Security taxes and a summary of the estimated benefits you and your family might receive. The website also features a sample Statement, information on how to request a Statement, and answers to frequently asked questions about the Statement.

The Social Security Retirement Planner provides detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law and points out things you might want to consider as you prepare for retirement.

This website provides a chart that lists for each birth year the full retirement age and the amount by which the benefit is reduced if taken at age 62 rather than at the full retirement age. The chart also includes examples based on an estimated monthly benefit of $1000 at full retirement age.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. This site provides Information on how to protect your Social Security number, what to do if you think someone is using your number or if an identity thief is creating credit problems for you, and how the Social Security Administration might be able to help you.

This website provides information about eligiblity for Social Security benefits. It includes details about the receipt of benefits while working, different kinds of earnings and how they are counted towards benefits, maximum taxable earnings, credits needed to be eligible to receive benefits, the windfall elimination provision, the government pension offset, and income tax and Social Security benefits.

This website provides a wide variety of information on Social Security retirement benefits: discussion of credits needed for benefit eligibility, benefit calculators for estimating benefit levels, questions to ask before applying for benefits, and a guide on how to apply for benefits.

The on-line Retirement Estimator produces estimates of Social Secuirty retirement benefits based on your Social Security earnings record. These estimates are provided for three different ages -- early retirement age, full retirement age, and age 70.

Over the past decade, American investors increasingly have turned to mutual funds to save for retirement and other financial goals. Mutual funds can offer the advantages of diversification and professional management. But, as with other investment choices, investing in mutual funds involves risk. In addition, fees and taxes can diminish a fund’s returns. This article explains the basics of mutual fund investing — how mutual funds work, what factors to consider before investing, and how to avoid common pitfalls.