Headlines
How much extra could Social Security beneficiaries receive in 2022?
In 2021, an average of 65 million Americans per month will receive a Social Security benefit, according to the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration states, among elderly Social Security beneficiaries, 21 percent of married couples and about 45…
Welfare, Unemployment, and Social Security
What do welfare programs like food stamps, unemployment compensation, and the Social Security program have in common? The answer is little, but that could change. Mention the very word “welfare” to almost any voter, regardless of party, and the reaction…
GOP Seeks Clarification of Authorities & Term of Acting SSA Commissioner
PRESS RELEASE from Rep. Kevin Brady, Ranking Republican on the House Ways & Means Committee Top Republicans have requested clarification from U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro on the authorities and the term of an Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration…
Big COLA Coming But How Far Will it go? Medicare Goes up too.
Lorie Konish of CNBC notes what many are predicting for next year’s cost of living adjustment– it’s expected to be the highest in 40 years at over 6%. She explains that the increase merely allows one to keep up with…
The Easiest Social Security Mistake to Avoid
Claim at age 62 and forget about it is the unfortunate mantra of a majority of those applying for first time Social Security benefits. But what so many do not understand is that claiming at 62 means a permanent reduction…
A Thorough Explanation of Cost of Living Adjustments
Seniors know they get a cost of living adjustment (COLA) every January 1st, though the increase has been 0% several times in recent years. Sean Williams explains in great detail the rather strange way this calculation occurs, in that it…
Fixing America’s Retirement System–Some Perspectives
The financial world is well aware that the U.S. Social Security system is in need of repair. Just how much in need, of course, is open to speculation as we await the 2021 official update from the Social Security Trustees.…
The Dark Side of A Big Cost-of-Living Adjustment
The media airwaves have been all over the potential for a relatively substantial bump in next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), with many projections of an increase north of 6%. Of course, this is a welcome turn of events…
Thoughts on Social Security Reform
A mid-year survey conducted by Nationwide Financial captured the thoughts of almost 2,000 U.S. adults age 25+ on Social Security and how they view its place in their long-term retirement planning. While the survey produced some predictable results, like 46% of the…
2021 Social Security Trustees Report – MIA
The annual Social Security Trustee Report for 2021 was due to Congress way back in April (April 1, specifically), but to date, nothing has been seen. As Mark J. Warshawsky, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute points out in a…