social security

The Picture of Retirement 

Bringing the picture of retirement to life, The New York Times reported on challenges faced by Susanna Wilson, a 70 year old homeowner in Grass Valley, California who struggles to get by each month on Social Security and limited part-time work.  The review of options available to her, according to a financial planner, include considering a reverse mortgage to bridge the gap. "I can never retire," Ms. Wilson says in describing her situation.  In suggesting the reverse mortgage, the financial planner, Elizabeth Rutter Baer, admits she has never recommended one before, but notes that Ms. Wilson is the "ideal candidate." It