Marriage must last at least 10 years to claim Social Security benefits on ex-spouse
Even a self-professed expert gets it wrong sometimes
Median balances up substantially; savings still inadequate, though
Claiming spousal benefits often leads to larger check than expected
Over the last few months, several large companies, let by auto giants Ford and GM, announced plans to spin off their traditional pension plans by transferring their liabilities to an insurance company or offering lump-sum payouts to retirees and certain former workers. Verizon was the latest corporation to hop on the de-risking bandwagon, prompting calls from a leading pension advocacy group to halt such actions until Congress can review the impact on workers and retirees
Still subject to age and earnings cap limits; other restrictions may apply
While some retirees are simply uniformed, others are dangerously misinformed.
You don't lose your health care coverage -- unless you opt out.
Although the payback option is limited, there are still ways to boost benefits
