Headlines
Disappearing soon: The “file as a spouse first” (FAASF) option
Among the changes Congress made to Social Security back in 2015 was eliminating an option officially known as the “Restricted Application” and often referred to as “file as a spouse first”, or “FAASF”. This was an option which allowed a worker…
Using a “break even analysis” to decide when to take Social Security
A “break even analysis” can be a helpful tool when deciding if you should claim your Social Security benefits early, for example at age 62, or if you should wait until a later age in order to receive a higher…
Social Security’s Trust Fund: Where is the money?
There are two widely spread myths that have been floating around for years – that Social Security is going bankrupt, and that Congress or Presidents have raided the Trust Fund and used the money for other purposes and, if they’d…
Why Americans are now claiming Social Security later
It’s an interesting but very definite paradigm shift, that so many more Americans are now waiting until later than age 62 to start collecting their Social Security benefits. The change is quite apparent – in 2004 half of all men and…
Deferred Claiming of Social Security Becoming a Preferred Strategy
It may be attributable to one of several factors, but there is an emerging trend in the timing of Social Security benefit applications. From 2004 to 2016, for example, the percentage of men applying for benefits at age 62 plummeted…
The Economics of Retirement: Adding Up the Costs
Economists, media sources, and many other informed individuals hypothesize that, for planning purposes, households wishing to maintain their standard of living in retirement need to replace 70% to 90% of their pre-retirement income. The reality, unfortunately, is that Social Security…
Understanding the Veterans Pension Benefit
Yesterday was Memorial Day, and what better time to call attention to a relatively little-known benefit available to certain veterans who have served America. In a post on www.fool.com, The Motley Fool’s Dan Caplinger provides an analysis of the “Veterans Pension…
A Memorial Day Greeting from AMAC Foundation
A Message from the Social Security Report’s Editorial Staff: It’s a great pleasure to take a moment to wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and happy Memorial Day! As you take a break from the demands and challenges of everyday life,…
How children’s Social Security benefits work
Most people think Social Security is just for retirees; however, children can qualify for Social Security benefits under certain circumstances. But for those who do, it often comes as a consequence of a hardship in their families. In Dan Caplinger’s…
How not to become your own worst enemy when it comes to your retirement
A majority of American workers look forward to retirement and the opportunity to do what they want with their time. However, if you are not careful, retirement could end up being a period of financial stress. Why? Sometimes, we are…