What Is a Reverse Mortgage? A reverse mortgage is a way for homeowners to borrow against the equity or value of their homes. Called a reverse mortgage because instead of you making payments to a lender (as in traditional mortgage) …
COVID-19 Homeowner Resources
If you are concerned about paying your mortgage during the coronavirus national emergency, see the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau’s web page devoted to information about mortgage and housing assistance during the coronavirus national emergency. Additionally, here are WISER factsheets with …
COVID-19 Renter Resources
If you’re having trouble making rent payments as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, you are not alone. Across the country, many tenants are facing job losses, furloughs, or reduced hours, and having to make tough financial decisions in order …
Really? You’re Kidding…Now’s The Time For Financial Literacy?
April 27, 2020 In her recent article for Forbes, WISER President, Cindy Hounsell reminds people that April is “Financial Literacy Month”. She understands this probably prompts an instinctive response like: So what. I’m worried about coronavirus— plus, there’s no extra …
Treasury: More Instructions to Non-Tax Filers with Dependents to Receive Stimulus Payments
Monday, April 20, 2020 The Department of Treasury announced that although Social Security (retirement, survivors, and disability insurance) recipients who did not file taxes in 2018 or 2019 will receive their $1200 individual payments automatically, those recipients with dependent children …
Social Security 2020 Trustees Report Released
April 22, 2020 – The Social Security Board of Trustees released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. According to Andrew Saul, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, the projections in this year’s …
Special Alert for SSA and RRB Benefit Recipients Who Don’t File a Tax Return and Have Dependents
April 20, 2020 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued a special alert for several groups of federal benefit recipients to act by this Wednesday, April 22, if they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and …
Your Stimulus Check and Your Future Paycheck
Stimulus checks are arriving — now is the time to think about your “Future Paycheck”. WISER’s “Your Future Paycheck” Workbook has information to help you: • Re-set your budget and spending — see “Keeping Track of Your Spending” and the …
COVID-19: Top Three Scams
Be aware! The COVID-19 crisis has provided an opportunity for scammers to prey on the public. Know how to protect yourself and loved ones from these top three scams. Download the PDF
The CARES Act & Your Retirement Plan
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. This $2 trillion emergency relief package is intended to assist individuals and businesses during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and accompanying economic crisis. The …