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Advice to Those Just Begining a Career
So much has been written over the past few years about the critical importance of preparing financially for the future–and even more explicitly–for retirement, and in most cases, it comes down to being diligent in accumulating wealth for those later…
SSI Rule Change Warning Issued
An article posted yesterday on newsweek.com explains the implications of a proposed rule change that could affect benefit levels for “hundreds of thousands of Americans, including many of the most financially vulnerable.” The proposed ruling would change “how household income…
Changing the Payroll Tax Rate to Address Social Security’s Shortfall
How Much of an Increase would it take? As various organizations weigh in with specific suggestions to fix Social Security’s looming financial train wreck, we often see proposals to raise the payroll tax rate to bolster the revenue side of…
Social Security COLA and Inflation: Defining the Shortfall
With inflation resurfacing as a concern (think oil prices and their effect on so many areas of the economy), and as a variety of pundits offer projections on what next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be, now’s a…
Social Security and Its Inherent Complexities Illustrated
Retired Social Security veteran Tom Margenau’s column on tucson.com is one we often repost here because of his easy-to-understand explanations of many seemingly esoteric (even exotic) aspects of this mammoth senior support program. Yesterday, this one caught our eye because…
Social Security and Retirement Planning…It’s More Than Just Numbers
The decision about when to claim Social Security retirement benefits is a milestone for many and, from a financial planning standpoint, is too often based on a “break-even” point. That may be a significant factor for many, but as suggested…
Medicare Part B Premiums Spark Conerns About COLA Adequacy, Rising Hralthcare Costs
For most seniors, Medicare Part B premiums rose just under 10% for 2026. This increase offset a large portion of the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, further swelling the very serious concern seniors have about rising healthcare costs. Recognizing the severity…
Survivor Benefits and Garnishment: It’s Important to Understand What Could Happen
Dealing with the aftermath of losing a loved one is, without question, one of the most troubling times for a survivor. And when it comes to finances, stress can magnify substantially, especially when there’s a debt burden. Consequently, it’s critical…
A Reminder to Check Your Work and Tax Payment History
Now is the time to verify that the information held on your behalf in the Social Security Administration files is correct. After all, it is the basis for determining the benefits that will be payable to you and anyone dependent…
2027 COLA Watch: Would a Hefty Upswing Improve Your Standard of Living?
Most “experts” these days are producing giddy proclamations about what could be a substantial increase in the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that beneficiaries will see in their January 2027 deposits. Estimates as high as 3.9% are in the…