By Dan Meyer; RCR Wireless News ~  Feb 23, 2016

Software migration gaining strength, paying customers; allowed AT&T unlimited data move

AT&T Mobility surprised many earlier this year when it re-entered the “unlimited” mobile data game, launching new rate plans tied to AT&T’s $48.5 billion acquisition of DirecTV. The telecom giant this week noted the move back into the unlimited mobile data space was partially made possible by ongoing work to eventually control 75% of its network resources using software-defined network, network functions virtualization and cloud technology.

By Tiernan Ray; Barron’s ~  Feb 23, 2016

AT&T‘s (T) vice chairman, Ralph de la Vega, who was one of the keynote speakers here at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona, was kind enough to take some time chatting with Tech Trader today at the company’s giant booth on the show floor.

De la Vega gave me reason to hope that mobile devices could become a significant way people watch professional video content beyond just YouTube and Netflix, and in my lifetime.

By Rebecca Lake, SA; Fox Business ~ Feb 23, 2016

A 401(k) account is one of the most powerful tools you can have when it comes to saving for retirement. If you’re not using yours wisely, however, you could be putting your savings in jeopardy. When you’re focused on creating sustainable, long-term wealth through your 401(k), there are certain pitfalls that you need to watch out for along the way.

By Stan Haithcock; MarketWatch ~ Feb 23, 2016

Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs) continue to grow in popularity with Traditional IRA owners because you can lower the taxes on your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and receive a lifetime income stream starting at a future specified date.

It’s important to know the two best ways to contractually structure your QLAC policy within your IRA, and the benefits and limitations of each choice.

By Suzanne Woolley; Bloomberg Business ~ Feb 22, 2016

More Americans are worried about their quality of life in retirement. Confidence about being able to save enough to ensure “a desirable standard of living” dropped this year, according to a new report. The worry was particularly strong among women.

Some 52 percent of individuals surveyed view their retirement prospects negatively, down 3 percentage points from last year. Only 47 percent of women said they were saving enough for their golden years, compared with 57 percent of men.

By Bob Herman; Modern Healthcare ~  Feb 22, 2016

A new federal proposal would slash overpayments made to Medicare Advantage plans sponsored by employers and unions years after an advisory board recommended the policy.

The CMS proposed terminating the bidding process for employers and unions that offer 2017 Medicare Advantage plans to their retirees. The policy was included in the recent 228-page Medicare Advantage rate notice (PDF). Instead of bidding, those plans would receive predetermined payments that would, in essence, lower their revenue.

By Bill Bischoff; MarketWatch ~ Feb 22, 2016    

When a loved one dies, somebody must step up to the plate to handle all the resulting tax issues. This person may be identified in the decedent’s will as executor of the estate. If there isn’t a will, however, the probate court will appoint someone to be the administrator. In either case, it’s often the surviving spouse or another family member who takes on this responsibility.

By Rachel L. Sheedy; Kiplinger ~  Feb 19, 2016

Boomers who are in their sixties, tune in: The Social Security Administration has finally issued official guidance on the phaseout of two popular claiming strategies, and if you qualify, you need to act quickly.

See Also: Big Changes Ahead for Claiming Social Security

By Scott Burns; The Dallas Morning News ~ Feb 19, 2016

You meet two people. They are the same age and sex. They live in identical condos, owned free and clear. Both are retired, collecting Social Security. They even drive cars of the same model and year. They could be twins, except for two details.

Person A has Social Security of $18,000 a year and investments of $500,000 but no pension.

Person B has Social Security of $24,000 a year, only $50,000 in savings and a pension of $40,000 a year.

From Consumer Reports; The Boston Globe ~  Feb 19, 2016

With rising drug costs, people whose insurance company stops or reduces coverage of a drug — or those without prescription drug coverage — will feel the pinch. Even those with insurance may still face higher out-of-pocket costs as co-pays and deductibles increase.

Our advice to consumers is simple: Shop around for your meds each and every time. Consumer Reports suggests these smart strategies for savings.