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A Quick Review of Survivor Benefits
The question of what happens to the benefit picture when a Social Security beneficiary dies often factors heavily into retirement financial planning exercises. So, it’s good to be aware of the basic rules governing benefits for survivors. A brief video…
President-elect Trump’s Proposal on Eliminating Income Tax on Benefits Resonates Well
A Newsweek.com post published today indicates widespread support for Trump’s proposal to exempt Social Security benefits from the annual income tax calculation. Specifically, a recent Monmouth University poll, nearly two-thirds of the more than 1000 respondents favored the change, while…
Social Security in 2025: Many changes, but some constants.
You’re probably well aware of some of the “regular” changes in Social Security that occur automatically with the calendar changing. Parameters like the taxable maximum, the cost-of-living adjustment, the earnings test limits, and so on are updated yearly to keep…
In Case You Were Wondering…
Sometimes. it feels good to separate from the daily onslaught of detail and mind-boggling news about the economy and its trajectory. Yet you know the pace of evolution in policies that may (or may not) have a bearing on you…
Determining the “Best Deal” from Social Security–The Actuaries Weigh-In
On most purchases, a clear objective is to get your “money’s worth” out of the cash you put into the transaction. So, how does this objective comport with the tax you pay into Social Security throughout your participation in the…
Correlating Retirement Ages and Social Security Claiming Ages
Retiring, defined as stepping away from the workforce, and filing for Social Security benefits, defined as laying claim to the benefits earned while a part of the workforce, are two separate milestones in the financial picture for older Americans. They…
Still Another Opposing Comment on the WEP-GPO Repeal Effort
Today’s headline article on the march toward a Senate vote on S. 597 (Social Security Fairness Act) presents viewpoints opposite from most of the supporting articles carried on the airwaves over the past several months. That’s to be expected since…
Changes to Accessing SSA In-Person Services
From the Social Security Administration We are expanding appointment-based services at our local Social Security offices. By scheduling appointments, we aim to reduce wait times, streamline service delivery, and improve customer experience. Nearly 400 local offices have already moved to…
“Unretiring” Is Becoming a Growing Trend for Seniors
Whether it’s a lack of finances or a remedy for boredom, statistics show that more and more retirees are electing to return to the workforce. In 2022, for example, Indeed Hiring Lab reported that millions of retirees had returned to…
An Amusing Review of Social Security Teminology Issues
As a 32-year veteran of Social Security work, and as the writer of many public documents on behalf of Social Security’s policy matters, Tom Margenau is someone we frequently repost on this website. His insights are not only accurate, but…