Pat Burris, CFP®

Pat joined Meld Financial in 1997 serving as Vice President Corporate and Retirement Plan Services. In February 2021, she transitioned to a part-time consulting role serving as Meld’s resident Social Security and Medicare Specialist. She has over 40 years in the financial services industry and more than a decade helping clients navigate the maze of Social Security and Medicare. View Pat's LinkedIn Profile. Education: B.S. Accounting, Western New England University, Springfield, MA – 1978, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ – 2002, Securities Licenses: Series 7 and 63, Life and disability insurance license
Retirees are reviewing their Medicare policy with a financial advisor.
Why You Should Review Your Medicare Policy Annually

School of Social Features

Medicare coverage and costs can change each year, so retirees should review their plan with an experienced financial advisor.

A person comparing Medigap plan costs with a calculator
Comparing Attained-Age, Issue-Age, and Community-Rated Medigap Plans

School of Social Security & Medicare

Medigap premiums are determined using attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated pricing systems to account for policyholder age.

A person looking at a chalkboard filled with complex mathematical calculations. This is meant to represent calculating provisional income or combined income.
How to Calculate Provisional Income (a.k.a. Combined Income)

School of Social Security & Medicare

Your provisional income determines if Social Security benefits are taxable, so it is important to know how to calculate this figure.

A couple reviewing Social Security claiming strategies on a laptop
Social Security Claiming Strategies for High Earners

School of Social Security & Medicare

These 5 Social Security claiming strategies can help high earners balance their income, assets, and estate planning needs.

A financial advisor explaining the parts of Medicare to a couple
Navigating Medicare: What Do the Different Parts Cover?

School of Social Security & Medicare

This guide explores the different parts of Medicare, what they cover, and how they work together to support your healthcare.

A reduction in social security benefits symbolized by a dollar sign in front of a down arrow.
4 Factors That Can Reduce Your Social Security Benefits

School of Social Features

These 4 factors can reduce your Social Security benefits. Preparing for them can help you maximize your retirement income.

A woman contemplating when to claim Social Security benefits.
When Should You Claim Social Security Benefits?

School of Social Security & Medicare

Your Social Security claiming strategy is one of the most important parts of your retirement plan as it impacts lifetime income.

A portion of an American Flag and a letter from the Social Security Administration with the words “Important Information” written on it.
Social Security Fairness Act Increases Benefits for Some Public Employees

School of Social Security & Medicare

The Social Security Fairness Act eliminated some provisions that reduced benefits for people who worked in the public sector.

A magnifying glass and health care symbols
What Is IRMAA?

School of Social Security & Medicare

High earners need to plan for additional monthly healthcare costs in retirement because of Medicare Part B and Part D IRMAA.