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US retail sales slump unexpectedly and sharply after a summer tax-refund boost fades AP NewsFrustrated US consumers cut their retail spending last month CNNMidday Need to Know: Retail sales drop, Ackman shakes up portfolio & more (SPY:NYSEARCA) Seeking AlphaUS retail sales weakest in over a year, consumer sentiment plunges Yahoo FinanceUS Retail Sales Fall by the Most in More Than a Year Bloomberg.com
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The combined average U.S. sales tax rate rose for the first time in four years to a 10-year high of 10.1881%, according to a new report.
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Although you can start collecting Social Security at age 62, you can get much higher monthly payments if you wait as long as age 70. But many people want to or must retire before 70. If you're one of them, consider a possible strategy, backed by recent research, to use your retirement savings to put off receiving Social Security.
Build a Social Security Bridge
New research from the Center for Retirement Research explores retiree appetite for a "bridge" between retirement and collecting Social Security benefits, specifically one where retirees tap 401(k) assets in an amount equivalent to what they'd draw from Social Security on a monthly basis. This stream of payments would continue until age 70 or until the money ran out.
Such an option appealed to a good number of survey respondents; nearly 27% said they'd use it to some extent, even with minimal information about plan details. Among respondents provided with more information on the option, the total climbed to 35%. Researchers also propose a formalized "bridge" plan that employers could offer using 401(k) funds.
SEE MORE Feeling Insecure About Social Security? You're Not Alone.
But why tap those funds? The answer is that any chance to delay collecting Social Security benefits means you'll receive a larger monthly check when you finally do start to draw benefits.
How Much Can You Increase Your Social Security by Delaying Benefits?
As a rule, retirees must decide for themselves when to begin claiming Social Security benefits.
If they can wait to collect, though
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