Benchmark Financial Group Blog

Some of us dread tax season, because filling out forms and double-checking everything with a calculator can feel like a burden. But a few people love this time of year, because it’s their prime opportunity to steal Social Security numbers and even tax refunds. As you prepare to file your taxes, keep these five tax schemes in mind, and learn how...

We often discuss the importance of retirement savings, but what about setting up an emergency fund? Did you know that 78 percent of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck, with no concrete way to handle unexpected expenses? You might think this statistic applies only to lower-income people, but a surprising number of middle class households would...

Federal employees enjoy one of the most comprehensive retirement systems in the country. But, like anyone else, you still need to plan carefully to take best advantage of all those benefits. While many different factors work together to create your retirement plan, for most people the situation boils down to living expenses versus retirement...

Your phone rings, and the Caller ID displays a number that looks legitimate. It might begin with 1-800, or list the name of a government agency, or simply say “Washington DC”. You answer the call, and a representative from Social Security informs you that there is an urgent problem with your benefits. You can fix the problem now, and avoid months...