Q & A
Ask Rusty – How is my Social Security Benefit Calculated?
Dear Rusty: I appreciate your recent article dispelling the myth that politicians have stolen Social Security money. As a CPA, I dispel this myth repeatedly to clients who falsely claim SS funds have been raided. But another thing I deal…
Ask Rusty – Will my WEP Reduction Go Away if I Continue Working?
Dear Rusty: I’m 63 years old and have not yet started my Social Security. I now work for the State of Illinois and will draw a pension from that state’s university system. I don’t pay into Social Security from this…
Ask Rusty – Will Withdrawing from 401(k) Affect My Social Security?
Dear Rusty: My full retirement age (FRA) is 66 and 8 months, which I’ll reach in September 2024. I’m still working 3 days a week. I want to cash in my 401K and want to know if I have to…
Ask Rusty – How Can I Get Details about My Social Security Payment?
Dear Rusty: How do I find the actual breakdown of the Medicare insurance that I have auto deducted and my actual Social Security payment? I was just looking at a video which explained the 3% Cost of Living Adjustment we…
Ask Rusty – Can Someone Work While Collecting Social Security Disability?
Dear Rusty: If a person is collecting Social Security disability benefits, can they, at any point, work at all? If they can, what is the maximum they can earn and still keep the disability benefit? I am asking because my…
Ask Rusty – Will My Friend’s Fiancée be Entitled to a Survivor Benefit?
Dear Rusty: I have a very good friend who has cancer and will begin chemotherapy this week. He is 71 years old and is currently receiving Social Security benefits. He has been living with his fiancée for a little more…
Ask Rusty – If My Wife Claims Now, Will It Hurt My Social Security Amount?
Dear Rusty: I am 69 years old, and my wife turned 70 early this year. I am still working full time. My wife is not working, but she got a letter from Social Security saying she should take her Social…
Ask Rusty – Are Spousal Benefits Always a Factor?
Dear Rusty: Both my wife and I have worked our entire lives. When we retire, will we both be entitled to full benefit amount each, or will there always be a spousal factor in there? Also, how are those benefits…
Ask Rusty – I’m 65 and Working; Can I Collect Ex-spouse Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I turned 65 earlier this year, and I still work full time. I was divorced four years ago after 38 years of marriage, but my ex-husband has been collecting Social Security for at least 10 years now. Can…
Ask Rusty – I’m Returning to Work; What Should I Do About Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I started collecting Social Security at age 62 earlier this year. I had an opportunity to partner in a new business this year that will allow me to earn about $200,000 in 2024. Because this is significantly above…