Latest News
A Quick Refresher on the Bonus Deductioon for Seniors
The $6,000 “bonus” income tax deduction for seniors age 65 and older for tax years 2025-2028 will surface for the first time as this year’s IRS filing season gets underway. While the increased deduction is indeed beneficial for qualified taxpayers,…
2026 Social Seurity Payment Schedules
For those planning their income and expense cash flows for the coming year, now is a good time to examine the specific dates for Social Security benefit payments in 2026. A post yesterday by MSN.com’s David Maina provides a handy…
The Social Security Retirement Earnings Test–2026 Edition
Today’s headline post on this site discusses the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test, specifically noting the positive implications of its elimination. For those who’ve claimed their benefits before their full retirement age and are wondering exactly what this test means…
Musings on Social Security Through the Years
As 2025 winds to a close and we reflect on the somewhat steady stream of commentary about Social Security’s financial problems and its imminent insolvency, now seems a good time to take a breath and reflect on history. We’ve often…
Want to earn the maximum Social Security benefit? Here’s what to do.
The maximum monthly benefit available from Social Security in 2026 will be $5,251, or $63,012 annually. That’s an attractive target, of course, but very, very few workers will reach that level of payment. It’s a lofty goal, of course, but…
Understanding the long-term effects of two key Social Changes in 2026
Many of Social Security’s myriad details change annually, so 2026 is no different in that respect. There are, however, two fundamental provisions that should be understood by those not yet drawing benefits. They’re important because they affect future benefits. Check…
Reminder: Retirement Plan Contribution Limits for 2026
As we cruise toward the end of 2025, many of us are actively planning our financial moves for the coming year. One area of planning involves preparing for tax season, while another closely related area involves continued financial planning for…
The “Retirement Readiness” dilemma: Some signs to watch for.
The decision to step away from a lifetime career, or even from a more recent job change, is a significant milestone—no question about that. There are many competing thoughts that make this decision anything but easy. So, if you’re at…
Understanding Survivor Benefits
The death of a spouse is generally a traumatic event in a couple’s life and, in so many instances, causes considerable stress for the survivor left to navigate the financial decisions in the future. While the basic rules governing the…
Interest rates and future COLAs: A source of concern for beneficiaries
There’s been a fair amount of hype around the recent Federal Reserve actions on key interest rates, most recently a mid-December quarter-point cut. That, of course, was a welcome move for investors, even though its impact had already been largely…