Once a year, every former and current American worker aged 25 and older receives a statement in the mail that summarizes the estimated benefits they will receive upon their retirement or death. 

In addition to these automatic mailings, workers of any age can also request them from the Social Security Administration. 

The purpose of these statements is to help with your long-term financial planning, to ensure that your information is correct, and to inform the public of disability protection and death benefits allowed to a family. 

Here is a sample Social Security Statement:

I know.  What kind of a question is that? 

Of course, no one is ready for their spouse to die!

But it may happen unexpectedly one day. And you should do your best to be prepared in the event that it does.

The death of a spouse is a traumatic experience that can set your head spinning and your heart reeling.  Few people are ever ready for this tragic event emotionally or even financially.

Unfortunately, adding to the inner turmoil that you are probably experiencing, are the financial matters that must be dealt with immediately.  Knowing what needs to be taken care of can be a tremendous help at this point, alleviating some of the stress and tension that is certainly swirling around you.

If you die, will the bank be willing to do business with your spouse?  Will he or she have to move?  Will the bank foreclose on your home?  These are things you need to consider when purchasing a new home. 

The fact of the matter is, you should consider purchasing life insurance to protect your mortgage.  Here's why...

Not exactly "fun" news for The Fun Times Guide... but helpful information nonetheless.

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FScam-Proof-Your-Life-Consumer-Headaches%2Fdp%2F1402745052%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1178720922%26sr%3D8-1&tag=jimlynnsfunti-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_Blank"><img src="http://thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/scam-proof-your-life-by-sid-kirchheimer.jpg" width="182" height="232" alt="scam-proof-your-life-by-sid-kirchheimer.jpg" title="Scam proof your life by Sid Kirchheimer." align="right"/></a> I was taken aback this morning when I saw a segment on The Today Show called <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/18495531/" Target="_Blank">"How To Stop Identity Theft Of The Dead"</a>.

The part that stuck in my head: "Don't give away too many details about your loved one in the obituary."

The expert offering advice throughout the segment was Sid Kirchheimer, the "Scam-Alert" columnist <a href="http://www.aarp.org/" target="_Blank">from AARP</a> and author of "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FScam-Proof-Your-Life-Consumer-Headaches%2Fdp%2F1402745052%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1178720922%26sr%3D8-1&tag=jimlynnsfunti-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_Blank">Scam-Proof Your Life</a>".

There are 5 filing statuses available to taxpayers:

• married filing jointly


• married filing separately


• surviving spouse


• head of household


• single

I will discuss each tax filing status and the related benefits and requirements.