Check Your Social Security Earnings Record Every Year

It is essential to review your Social Security earnings record annually. Your Social Security benefit amount is based on your 35 highest-earning years. Social Security averages your highest 35 years of earnings to calculate your monthly benefit, so it is…

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Social Security Changes in 2026

You will see your monthly Social Security payments increase by 2.8% due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). However, you need to factor in that the cost of Medicare Part B has increased to $202.90 for 2026, up from $185 in…

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The Secure 2.0 Act Made Changes to RMDs and Roth 401(k)s Withdrawals

The primary goal of the Secure 2.0 Act is to encourage more people to save for retirement. Some of the primary changes were that the mandatory age for RMD withdrawals has increased, penalties for late withdrawals have been reduced, and…

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Social Security and Federal Debt: An Ongoing Debate

Pew Research Center recently observed1 that the U.S. federal debt is a growing concern among the American public, with now more than half of the sampled population considering it a top priority. At this writing, the “debt clock” shows our…

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Demystifying When to Claim Social Security Retirement Benefits

Claiming Window is 8 Years Long  Perched high on our list of Frequently Asked Questions is this: “When should I claim my Social Security retirement benefits?” That’s not surprising, since there is an 8 year window, starting at age 62…

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“Ask Rusty – About Remarrying and Benefits from an Ex-spouse”

Dear Rusty: I am almost 57, divorced after a 14-year marriage. My former spouse is 15 years older than I and made significantly more money than me. I am required to retire from my job at age 60 but expect…

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