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Social Security rules have been consistent for the last 40 years
If you are new to Social Security the rules can seem complicated and confusing, however, there have been hardly any changes at all since 1983. The basic rules, spouse benefit rules, survivor rules and disability rules are unchanged. So, once…
The 2024 election and entitlements
Do Americans care about Social Security when they vote? Lorie Konish cites a National Institute on Retirement Security finding. The group polled 1,208 people aged 25 and older and found 87% want action to address Social Security’s trust fund shortfall. Also, 69%…
Commentary: Eliminate improper Medicare & Medicaid payments to save Social Security
Thomas M. Cassidy, a former senior investigator for the New York State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, suggests better management of Medicare and Medicaid to save Social Security from insolvency and across the board cuts in 2033. He notes…
Beware of Overspending in Early Retirement Years
Jennifer Taylor of Yahoo Finance says to start retirement with a clear knowledge of exactly how much money you have, along with a comprehensive spending plan. She cautions against overly expensive travel and supporting adult children as financial pitfalls. Taylor…
Is eliminating income tax on Soc Sec a good idea?
The idea polls well and has been around for a long time. It is gaining news coverage since Donald Trump floated the idea of removing income tax on benefits altogether. But does taking income tax off Social Security benefits have…
Social Security and alimony
Maurie Backman uses this piece to try to eliminate the confusion of alimony with spousal benefits. One is something you’re required to pay, while the other is something the Social Security Administration is required to pay. A Colorado court ruling…
COLA Watch 2025
Maurie Backman notes the current 2.63% COLA estimate for the cost of living adjustment (COLA) 2025 is higher than previous ones from earlier in 2024. Still, next year’s COLA is shaping up to be considerably smaller than the current year’s. It’s worth…
Libertarian Candidate for President Addresses Social Security
David Unsworth of Fox News spoke with Chase Oliver, the Libertarian candidate for President. Oliver espouses free market solutions to problems and had this to say on Social Security: “It’s bankrupt. It’s a Ponzi scheme. We’ve paid into the system.…
Soc Sec: 4 things married couples must know
Trevor Jennewine notes here that benefits for spouses and survivors are commonly misunderstood. In a recent MassMutual survey, knowledge gaps among adults nearing retirement were evident. Here are 4 key points: 1. Spouses can claim Social Security on their retired…
Beware Different Ages if Coordinating Social Security & Medicare Signup
Maurie Backman notes that age 65 is a big milestone in retirement planning, as that’s when seniors are eligible to sign up for Medicare. In reality you can enroll in Medicare three months before the month of your 65th birthday…