Mark Miller

Article Archive

Economy, Politics Poke Holes in Safety Net

Tallying up the recession's toll on retirement security

Why Raising the Retirement Age Won't Shrink the Deficit

Budget cutters consider raising Social Security age limits, but many people already are working longer.

8 Ways to Protect Your Job

Here's how mid-career workers can stay employed and employable.

How to Boost Social Security Benefits for Survivors

Knowing the rules for applying can significantly increase lifetime income, especially for women.

Parsing Entitlements and Ponzi Schemes

Politicians' descriptions influence public perceptions of Social Security and Medicare.

How To Protect Assets From Risk of Cognitive Decline

Take these 8 steps to protect yourself or an aging parent. P.S. Don't procrastinate.

Retirement Security Gap Grows for Minorities

Reduced Social Security, Medicare benefits would widen income disparities for black and Latino households.

What a New Inflation Formula Means for Social Security

No matter where this summer's fiscal debate goes in Washington, expect discussion of Social Security and cost-of-living adjustments to stay hot.

How to Plan Around Social Security's Falling Value

In many cases it's a good idea to postpone filing for benefit so you can maximize your monthly income.

Can You Count on Social Security in Your Retirement Plan?

Columnist sorts through Social Security's finances as people of all ages fret about the program's future.

Why Federal Insurance for Pensions Needs Shoring Up

Lawmakers debate changes to bolster pension program that aids workers when companies go belly up.

Retiree Health Plans to Rely on Savvy Shoppers

Proposed plan would replace fee-for-service Medicare with a voucher to buy private health insurance.

Why Raising Social Security's Retirement Age Is a Benefit Cut For All

Americans are living longer, but does that mean everyone needs to work longer, too?

Why Medicare Premiums Are Rising for Affluent Retirees

Changes planned to offset the cost of health-care reform by reducing subsidies for people who don't really need the help.

Social Security Stops Mailing Annual Statements

Instead, the federal agency is working on an online download option for retirement benefit updates.

Automated Retirement Plans Can Help, But Watch for These Pitfalls

Complaints about target date funds include high fees and misunderstandings about investment risks.

Protect Your Retirement Plan From Inflation Risk

Here are three ways to add inflation buffers to your long-term money picture.

Worried Public Workers Weigh Pension vs. Lump Sum

Pay attention to the fiscal health of your own plan, rather than overreacting to pension battles in Wisconsin and elsewhere.

Pre-Existing Conditions? Health Insurance Options Improving This Year

How the health care reform legislation affects people over 50, but still too young for Medicare coverage.

Aging World Drives Future of U.S. Economy

Shock of Gray author predicts the expansion of the U.S. workforce will be among people over 50.

Why Lump Sum Pension Payments Are a Bad Deal for Most Retirees

Outcomes depends on your gender, how you invest the money and whether you're married,

Money Manager Says Rising Interest Rates Will Bail Out Retirees

Are we on the verge of a major shift in the investment landscape?

As First Boomers Turn 65, the Big Question: What's Next?

The largest generation's symbolic milepost sparks new thinking about aging and encore careers.

What People Over 50 May Lose if Health Reform Goes Down

Middle-aged consumers should pay close attention to court and Capitol Hill battles.

As 2010 Winds Down, Keep These Retirement Planning Tips in Mind

Here's the latest on impact of tax deal and other financial changes.

Turmoil Roils the Long-Term Care Insurance Market

It's a time to proceed with caution as you weigh new coverage.

How Deficit Reduction Proposals Would Affect Social Security

Bipartisan plans include cutbacks and new revenue.

Credit Cards, Medical Expenses Saddle Older Americans

Study shows sharp rise in bankruptcy filings among people over 55.

Why Social Security Payments Will Be Flat in 2011

Columnist says a one-time adjustment doesn't make sense in current economic climate.

Shop Around for a Medicare Drug Plan

It's important to review your choices annually, especially this year as new health care policies take effect.

New Law Boosts Work Roth Accounts

Small Business Jobs Act expands the opportunity to convert tax-sheltered retirement savings to Roth accounts.

The Medicare Prescription Drug Rebate

The new health care reform law closes Medicare's "doughnut hole." Here's how it works.

Will Health Reform Unleash 50+ Entrepreneurs?

Study suggests universal health coverage will spur greater employment mobility among baby boomers.

Recession Prompts More People to Tap Retirement Savings

Many families are turning to retirement accounts to pay bills and college tuition.

Weighing Taxes Vs. Fees On Roth IRAs

Columnist answers questions from his reader mailbag.

To Understand Your 401(k) Plan, Focus on the Fees

Research shows fees are an important predictor of investment success.

Doing the Math on Social Security

Should you collect benefits at 62 or wait until 66?

Confusion on Health Care Reform

The new law includes improvements to Medicare and does not cut benefits.

Retirement Mobility in a Weak Housing Market

In wake of a burst housing bubble, living decisions require a reality check.

Will You Run Out of Money?

Study details retirement savings shortfalls in all income groups.

Income Annuities: A Good Bet?

Secure retirement income is a hot topic, but some question annuity hype.

Retirement and the Income Gender Gap

Women still have lower lifetime earning and are less likely than men to have pension income.

How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits

Many Americans make the costly mistake of starting their checks at 62 and forego thousands of dollars in lifetime benefits.

How Working Longer Builds Security

Postponing retirement can pay a surprisingly big bonus.

Questions Loom About Public Option for Long-Term Care

New health care reform law establishes a national insurance program that will be rolled out over next few years.

Successful Midlife Career Switchers

New book profiles people who've made successful career transitions--often into colorful new lives.

The Trouble With Online Calculators

Be wary of tools that oversimplify retirement planning.

Debate Over Social Security Reform About to Intensify

National commission convenes next week to weigh possible solutions to debt and deficit woes.

Cultivate a Healthy Brain Lifestyle

Your brain doesn't care how old you are; it just wants to be stimulated and shaped.

Where Older Workers Will Find Jobs

In the next eight years, at least 5 million positions will open up in education, health, nonprofits and government, economist says.