Really interesting article on how countries rank as far as pensions go. Definitely worth the read.

http://tinyurl.com/pl432bw

Maximizing your Social Security benefits

I have completed my series on Maximizing your Social Security benefits but if you want to hear any or all "parts" go to the podcast page. Call for an appointment if you want me to run your information so you can get the most out of Social Security. Call 855-22money.

Highlights for this Saturday's (April 26) Your Safe Money Show

I want to invite you to listen to Your Safe Money Show this Saturday morning. I am finishing up my series on Maximizing your Social Security benefits and Part 6 is "uncovering the bottom line and filling the income gap. Plus I will look at weird money indicators and when the best time of the week is to buy gas state by state.

More on paper statements and Social Security benefits

I talked about this before but i saw this article on Yahoo and it shows what statements look like and if you've never seen one, this will help you navigate yours when you get it. Remember you can go to ssa.gov to get yours on line.

http://tinyurl.com/kzcfdnt

Paper Social Security statements are back if you haven't signed up to view your statement online.

Starting this September, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will resume mailings at five-year intervals to workers who have not signed up to view their statements online, an agency spokesman told Reuters. The statements will be sent to workers at ages 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60, he said, adding the agency would continue to promote use of the online statements.

The SSA stopped mailing most paper statements in 2011 in response to budget pressures, and saved the SSA $70 million annually - about 50 cents per mailed statement. But the decision has been a sore point with some critics, who argue the statement provides a valuable annual reminder to workers of what they can expect to get back from payroll taxes in the future.

Closed Good Friday

Sjoberg & Holmstrom Financial Services will be closed Friday April 18th for Good Friday. If you need to reach us we will be monitoring messages, just leave one at 877-812-0259. Have a blessed Easter!

Highlight's for this Saturday's (April 19) Your Safe Money Show

If you work after filing for Social Security prior to your full retirement age you can be taxed. I'll continue the series "Maximizing Social Security benefits on this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show. I will also share techniques with you if your in your 30's that could make a dramatic difference for you in retirement! 

Great time on KASM!!

It was so nice to get out of the office today and head to Albany for an interview on KASM. The station is a mainstay for the area being one of the oldest AM stations in Minnesota. Brad Mielke did the interview and Robin and I really enjoyed our time. Your Safe Money Show is on KASM 1150AM Saturday mornings at 8:30.

Interview in Albany

I am looking forward to a "road trip" tomorrow (April 15th) to Albany, MN. to be interviewed on KASM 1150AM at 9 a.m. We love all our listeners and the one's from Albany and surrounding area's have been great supporters of the show and have met with me to learn more about Safe Money strategies. So please tune in and if you have any questions or concerns you'd like answered on the show, call 855-22money or leave a message on our contact page.                                                 

See us at Mora's Home Show this Friday and Saturday!

Stop and see us at the Sjoberg & Holmstrom Financial Services booth at the East Central Business and Community Expo! It's being held Friday April 11 from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday April 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mora Civic Center on the Kanabec County Fairgrounds.

Highlights for Saturday April 12 Your Safe Money Show

I am looking forward to this Saturday's (April 12) Your Safe Money Show! I've been doing a series on "Maximizing your Social Security benefits" and this week I'll explain the various benefits. There's retired worker benefits, survivor benefits, spousal benefits, file and suspend and restricted application. I am also planning on sharing some financial "spring cleaning" techniques.

Scant relief: Summer gas price to dip a penny

NEW YORK (AP) — Drivers will get the slightest of breaks on gasoline prices this summer, according to the Energy Department.

The national average price is forecast to fall — by just one cent — to $3.57 a gallon between April and September, the months when Americans do most of their driving.

Still, that would be the lowest average summer price since 2010.

For the year, the department's Energy Information Administration expects gasoline to average $3.45 a gallon, down from $3.51 last year and also the lowest since 2010.

World demand for oil is growing, but supplies are growing faster than demand, thanks to higher production in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere. That will keep a lid on the price of crude and gasoline.

Maximizing Social Security Benefits

I've been doing a series on "Maximizing your Social Security benefits on Your Safe Money Show. Here's the topics.
3/22/14- Part 1 : Finding your PIA (primary insurance amount)
3/29/14- Part 2 : Deciding now or later and understanding the divorce factor.
4/5/14-Part 3: Lifetime benefits and determining the best options for you.
4-12-14-Part 4: Retired workers benefit, survivor's benefit, spousal benefit, file and suspend and restricted application.
4-19-14-Part 5: Taxation and working and choosing to work.
4-26-14-Part 6: Uncovering the bottom line and filling the income gap.
To hear the segments go to the podcast page.

Time change for the show

Reminder that WQPM AM 1300 has changed their format to oldies, 50's and 60's music AND they're now called "The Big Q"! Tune in to hear the changes and speaking of changes you can now hear the show at 8:30 a.m. Saturday instead of 7:30 a.m.,we hope this time actually works better for you.

Highlights for this Saturday's April 5 Your Safe Money Show

I will continue the series on "Maximizing Social Security Benefits" on this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show. This week I am covering lifetime benefits and determining the best options for you. Also this week don't tell your doctor "everything".