Terry Savage | The Savage Truth on Money, Markets, and the Economy

Terry’s Columns

New Health Insurance Deadline Looms

March 4, 2014
There’s another healthcare deadline looming this month. It’s the March 31st deadline for all Americans to…
Retirement -- The New American Luxury

February 25, 2014
The Savage Truth is that you may never reach that status symbol of the future – a perfectly relaxing retirement that maintains your standard of living without anxiety. But it’s also true that even a semi-retirement is better than none at all.

Sixty-Five Incorporated

Seniors Websites

Everything you need to know about Medicare, signing up, supplements, rules, and more at this helpful site, including this calculator to help you determine when you can sign up for Medicare.
Consumer Federation of America

Insurance Websites

Don’t change policies or even buy a new one without using this independent service from the Consumer Federation of America.
Benefits Checkup

Retirement Websites

Do you know a senior who needs help paying for food or prescription drugs, or legal assistance. Start here to find programs that will help.

Property tax exemptions in Cook County

Answered on March 6, 2014

Terry, I live in Cook County Illinois. At what age does the Homeowners exemption for your primary…
Credit Score/Report

Answered on March 6, 2014

I have heard that Credit Karma is a reliable web site for a free credit score and report. I have not…
valic annuity

Answered on March 6, 2014

Very much afraid, after a withdrawal request for my money since numerous contacts, employees valic…

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Calculate Minimum Required Distributions

When you reach age 70-1/2 you must take minimum required withdrawals. Use this calculator at FINRA.org to get a rough idea how much you must withdraw based on year-end balances. (But talk with one of your IRA custodians to get the specific withdrawal amount, based on ALL your retirement account balances.)
Credit Card Balance Paydown Calculator

Bankrate’s Credit Card Debt Calculator lets you enter all balances, organize repayments to pay down debt faster with less interest.
How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?

Choosetosave.org is sponsored by the non-profit Employee Benefit Research Institute. Their “ballpark estimator” tool is the easiest way to see if you’re saving enough for your desired retirement.