Obscure Social Security rule can pay off for those remarrying later in life

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This little-known Social Security rule can pay off for those remarrying later in life
Seniors who have remarried may still qualify for a Social Security divorced spousal benefit on their ex-spouse's record, if both partners are already collecting the benefit at the time of marriage, according to this article on Money. A couple can take advantage of this rule if either spouse is receiving a spousal benefit on a former partner's record as a divorced spouse, a widow/widower, or a surviving ex-spouse. Another rule also allows widows and widowers to continue collecting their survivor benefit if they remarry after turning 60.

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This couple is on track to retire -- before they turn 40
A couple has paid off their debt and is on track to become financially independent and retire before they reach the age of 40, according to this article on CNNMoney. The couple have been saving aggressively, changing their lifestyle, increasing their earnings, and reducing their living costs. "I don't want to have to worry about money," says the husband, adding that financial independence will allow them to choose the job they truly want and enjoy it in the process. "I've always wanted to work at a winery!"

4 401(k) strategies to grow your wealth
401(k) participants can make the most out of their plan by taking advantage of their employer's matching contribution, according to this article on Motley Fool. They should also ensure they minimize their investment fees and front-load their contributions early in the year to give the money more time to grow through compounding. Another strategy is to use their windfall to make extra contributions to the plan.

How you can retire in the gig economy: Freelancer savings plans
Clients who depend for income on the gig economy do not receive a steady cash flow, but it does not mean they should not set aside some money for retirement, according to this article on Forbes. To save for retirement, freelancers may use a Solo 401(k) plan, which "allows investment discretion and ... may even allow plan participants to borrow from their retirement savings," says an expert. Another option is the SEP IRA, an account that popular among entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals.

6 questions to ask when your company changes its 401(k)
More 401(k) plan are switching to a new financial advisor, and the workers should ask their employer about the reason for the change, according to this article on U.S. News & World Report. 401(k) participants should also determine the new investment options under the new advisor, the kind of glitches they may experience with the new plan, and the key dates during the transition. The participants should also know whether they will be updated during the process and there is a need for them to change their beneficiary forms.

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