Headlines
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.…
Imagine No Social Security
In 1971, the iconic songwriter John 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 a…
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…
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…
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…
A Common Sense Approach to Social Security Reform?
In a well-written, somewhat light-hearted, but nonetheless timely and realistic discussion, Stanford Magazine writer Summer Moore Batte summarizes the thinking of two scholars on how to address Social Security’s rapidly approaching financial cliff. In her news.stanford.edu post, Ms. Batte captures…
Social Security Survivor Benefits – Part 2
Understanding the “Widow Limit” The “widow limit” rules apply in situations where the higher-earning spouse took their benefits early, such as at the age of sixty-two. When someone takes their retirement benefits at age 62, they receive 75% of their benefit…
Social Security Survivor Benefits – Part I
Perched high on the list of questions most frequently asked of the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisor Service is the topic of “survivor benefits.” The term “survivor benefit” refers to benefits available to the dependent(s) of a deceased person who was either…
The COLA Adequacy Argument and Retirement
The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to Social Security benefits is intended to maintain at least some degree of financial stability for seniors in their retirement years. Good intention, but does it succeed? Many sources suggest it does not meet…
New Year’s Greetings from the AMAC Foundation!
AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Report editorial staff extends its wishes for a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We hope that 2026 brings continued progress for our nation and for all of you. Here at the AMAC Foundation, we look forward to…