Government shutdown

The federal government shutdown, the second longest in US history, is nearing the one-month.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that about 750,000 employees will be furloughed at a cost per day of $400 million in lost compensation.

Seniors are more likely to opt for the standard deduction, which increased under the new tax law, but those who want to maximize their deductions have several considerations.

Companies should consider offering older workers the option of taking a phased retirement to enable them to transition to the golden years.

Seniors who intend to get a Medigap policy to supplement their traditional Medicare coverage may have trouble getting one.

Thousands of federal workers who are furloughed or working without pay because of the partial government shutdown should use budgeting to cope with the hard times.