Rachel Hartman

Miami

Business Writer at Freelance

Writer and missionary wife. Living the dream.

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Articles

Great Retirement Planning Tools and Software for 2025 | Retirement | U.S. News

2 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Rachel Hartman |Tracy Stewart |Katy Marquardt

Use these top-rated methods to create and follow a retirement savings plan.
Hiring Older Workers

1 month ago | smallbusinessxchange.com | Rachel Hartman

“I’ve been shocked by how many skills have crossed from my former to current profession,” says Richard Williams, founder and owner of Luna Pizza Café in Greenville, North Carolina. Prior to being a restaurant owner, Williams held a tenured job as a university professor. In his early 50s, he took the leap from campus life to the food industry. “Managing a classroom is not that different than managing a shift in a restaurant,” he says.
Tips From Retirees for Building Community in Retirement

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Rachel Hartman |Katy Marquardt |Tracy Stewart

Key Takeaways Participating in hobbies and volunteer work can help retirees meet others and engage in their communities. Joining a support network could lead to shared experiences and a sense of belonging. Community events provide an opportunity to meet other people and make connections. Retirement is often seen as a time for relaxation, but it can lead to isolation without active social engagement.
When You Need to Pay Taxes on Social Security

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Rachel Hartman |Katy Marquardt |Tracy Stewart

Key Takeaways If you have retirement income from multiple sources such as pensions, account distributions or side jobs, you may have to pay taxes on part of your Social Security benefits. How your Social Security benefits are taxed depends on your combined income and filing status. Income thresholds determine whether your benefits will be taxed at 0%, 50% or 85%. You can withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits for tax planning.
10 best fantasy books about dragons, ranked

2 months ago | themarysue.com | Rachel Hartman |Sarah Fimm

I choose to believe there are more choices available to animal lovers than just “cat person” and “dog person.” Can a dog protect my vast treasure hoard? Can a cat rain fire upon my enemies? No. But some beasts can: dragons. Someday I’ll visit the ASPCA, and there will be a dragon waiting for me. I will take it home and declare myself this world’s ruler. But for now, I’ll just have to get my dragon fix in the pages of a book. So here they are, the 10 best fantasy books about dragons, ranked.
10 Tax Breaks for People Over 50

2 months ago | money.usnews.com | Rachel Hartman |Katy Marquardt |Tracy Stewart

Key Takeaways If you’re 50 or older, you may be eligible for additional tax breaks related to your investments, income, property, charity gifts and living situation. Those over 50 can contribute more to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs, leading to a higher tax deduction. Once you reach 65, you could have a higher standard deduction and tax-filing threshold. As a senior, you can receive free tax help if you have questions or need assistance filing your taxes.
How to Maximize Social Security With Spousal Benefits

2 months ago | money.usnews.com | Rachel Hartman |Tanza Loudenback |Tracy Stewart

Key Takeaways Social Security spousal benefits allow spouses to claim benefits based on their partner's earnings record. Eligibility for spousal benefits typically requires the spouse seeking benefits to be at least 62 years old. Spouses can claim up to 50% of their partner's Social Security benefit if they wait until their full retirement age. If the spouse claiming spousal benefits earned their own Social Security benefits, they may receive the higher of the two amounts, not both.
10 Job Search Websites and Apps for Retirees in 2025

2 months ago | msn.com | Rachel Hartman

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Can You Collect Unemployment and Social Security?

Jan 21, 2025 | msn.com | Rachel Hartman

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10 Essential Tech Tools for Older Adults

Nov 18, 2024 | money.usnews.com | Rachel Hartman |Katy Marquardt |Tracy Stewart

Key Takeaways Technology can help seniors stay connected with family, friends and service providers. Tools like medication management systems, GPS trackers and smart home devices enable seniors to live safely and independently. Wearable fitness trackers and smartwatches promote physical well-being by tracking activity, sleep and other health data. Brain-training apps and games help seniors maintain cognitive sharpness and monitor their progress.