Those who retire early but live long lose a bundle in Social Security benefits Only about 5 percent of retirees wait until full retirement age to claim Social Security benefits. Retiring early can cost dearly, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), especially if you live a long time. The SSA calculates that retirees who live to age 90 would lose $39,000 in … [Read more...]
401(k) advice: Be part of the plan
Last August, Congress passed the Pension Protection Act. It encourages companies to sign up employees automatically for 401(k) plans. Previously, only a third of eligible employees participated, but the new rules are changing that. The 401(k) plans have three compelling benefits: Investments are made with pre-tax dollars. Investments and interest earned are not taxed until … [Read more...]
Get passionate about your work
For greater success, get passionate about your work, your world Let's say you're a calm, laid-back person. You deal with the world from a take-it-as-it-comes point of view. And it has always worked for you. But didn't you ever envy people who seemed to be on fire, enthusiastic and passionate about their work, their pro football team, and their home life? There's no question … [Read more...]
How unknown and improbable events shape our history
Nassim Nicholas Taleb calls his new book The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. (It was the discovery of one black swan that invalidated the theory that all swans are white.) His work continues the theme of his previous book Fooled by Randomness, which is about the role chance plays in life. It's not just forecasters who take a chance on predicting the future, … [Read more...]
You're smart. Why not sound that way?
Fortune's Stanley Bing is a funny guy. He begins his tirade on grammar with a 60-word sentence. Then he loads paragraphs of his "While You Were Out" page with grammatical no-nos, many of which are found in email he receives. Here are some of the misuses of the language that grate on his nerves. You and I or you and me? Use 'You and I' when you are the subject: You and I should … [Read more...]