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The Nuts & Bolts of Applying for Social Security
Knowing when to apply for Social Security so your payments start when you want is an important part of your decision making process, but knowing how to apply is also important. You can apply for benefits up to four months…
Medicare Changes for 2023 – Some Good News
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the 2023 changes to the Medicare program, and the announcement definitely includes some good news – the Medicare Part B premium will be less in 2023 than it is in…
How Medicare and Medicaid Differ
Often confused due to the similarity of their names, Medicare and Medicaid are two entirely separate programs. Medicare is an insurance program for those 65 and older, eligibility for which is earned by working. By contrast, Medicaid is a social…
Want More Social Security? Here’s How
Of course, everyone wants as much from Social Security as they can get – after all, you’ve paid into it throughout your entire working career. But, as with most things, the devil is in the details and to get a…
Spotlight on Social Security Insolvency
The future of Social Security has been a topic of media anxiety for years now, with each annual financial report from Social Security’s Trustees launching a new round of hysterical commentary. Make no mistake – Social Security is, indeed, in…
Your Benefit Calculation and the Importance of the Year You Reach Age 60
The formula for computing Social Security retirement benefits is based on your highest 35 years of reported earnings, with each year’s earnings up to age 60 indexed to bring them up to present-day values when your base benefit is calculated.…
Using a “Bridge” Strategy to Maximize Social Security Benefits Gaining in Popularity
Research from the Center for Retirement Research (CRB) provides insight into a retirement planning strategy that appears to be gaining in favor among future retirees. In a post on kiplinger.com, Senior Retirement Editor Elaine Silvestrini reports that more than a…
An Update on HR-82 (Social Security Fairness Act of 2021)
H.R.82 (titled the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021) proposed by Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) has advanced in Congress, advancing out of the Ways and Means Committee but still facing an uncertain future in the 117th Congress. In a post…
Planning for Retirement in the Face of Potential Social Security Changes
The Social Security solvency problem is continuing to gain attention in the media, and there seems to be growing optimism that resolution of the long-term deficit situation will soon get congressional attention. But for those striving to build a workable…
Thoughts on the Plight of Social Security
Just about everyone affected by Social Security is aware that the program is facing a rough financial road in the years ahead, with the current operational deficit causing mounting concern about what will happen when the program’s trust fund reserves…