The wisdom (or not) of delaying Social Security

Most retirement planners will tell you that you can get a much higher monthly benefit by waiting longer to claim your Social Security. But some advisors do actually suggest claiming earlier to get the SS money sooner, for several reasons.…

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Imagine No Social Security

In 1971, the iconic song writer Jon Lennon penned the lyrics to his famous song “Imagine,” asking us to picture a world in total peace and harmony. Although it was a call to imagine what life would be like in…

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When are most people claiming Social Security?

When do most Americans claim their Social Security benefit? That’s an interesting question, but the answer should form the basis of when you personally claim your SS benefits, because everyone’s situation is different. Although it might be interesting to know…

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Analyzing the “Trump Accounts,” Their Challenges and Potential

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” brought a slew of welcome benefits for seniors, from relief from some of the tax burden on Social Security benefits, to income tax relief for workers with tip income, to the temporary ability to…

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Assessing the Implications of the Full Retirement Age (Hint: It’s not as simple as you think)

Reaching full retirement age (FRA)–the age at which a claimant can receive the full amount of their earned Social Security retirement benefit–was historically thought to be age 65. And it was…at least until the Social Amendments of 1983. A series…

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“Ask Rusty – I’m Divorced; Can I Get Benefits from my Ex-husband?”

 Dear Rusty: After 16 years of marriage, we were divorced. I have never remarried, but he has. When he starts collecting Social Security (he is 64 now and still working), is it true that I can claim ex-spousal benefits or does…

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