Headlines
A public employer pension might mean a lower Social Security benefit
In this article by noted author and financial advisor Phil Moeller, he tackles a question from a reader who retired from the Massachusetts school teacher system, but has also worked enough outside that system to have earned Social Security benefits.…
SS expert answers a dozen questions
Tom Margenau is a retired Social Security employee who writes frequent articles about all things Social Security. Though he typically writes on one specific topic in each article, in this one he challenged himself to answer a dozen questions in the limited…
Social Security’s Top Online Service Websites
The Social Security Administration is making great strides in its efforts to get information and capability quickly and easily available to beneficiaries and future beneficiaries. In today’s online connected world, Social Security offers a plethora of online services and capabilities which have…
How Social Security Benefits Are Reduced
Most people fundamentally understand that if Social Security benefits are taken early they are reduced, and that is true not only for Social Security retirement benefits but also for spousal benefits and survivor’s benefits. But considerably fewer people understand exactly…
Ex-spouses can get benefits, as well as current spouses.
If you’re divorced, did you know that you may be able to collect benefits on your ex-spouse? That’s true, even if your ex has remarried and has a current spouse who is collecting benefits from your ex’s record. There are,…
Don’t miss this key April 1st deadline
If you turned 70 ½ in 2018, you have until Monday, April 1st to take your first required minimum distribution, or RMD from your 401(k) or an IRA. The IRS requires individuals holding retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)…
Improving the solvency and integrity of Social Security Disability Insurance program
At the annual cost of $146 billion, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides benefits to more than 10 million individuals. With the average wait times close to 600 days, SSDI fails to meet the needs of individuals with…
Don’t become a failed retiree
Many men and some women fail at retirement. Why? Some people are their jobs; their career and personal identity are closely linked and have a significant impact on their retirement. It’s the fear of the emptiness ahead of them if…
Why you should check your Social Security statement
The Social Security Administration will pay out more than one trillion dollars for benefits to 64 million Americans this year. Social Security provides essential economic support to roughly 44 percent of single retirees and 22 percent of married retirees who…
Three steps to protect your Social Security number
The reports of massive data breaches have become common and they seem to be growing. In the last couple of years, 143 million Americans had their personal data compromised through the Equifax breach and another 500 million people was compromised…