Latest News
Helping You Avoid Scams this Holiday Season
Social Security-related scams continue to be widespread, especially during the holidays. Criminals pretending to be from Social Security and other federal government agencies are tricking victims into sending money or sharing personal information. The scam tactics and scripts may vary,…
Op-ed: No “Security” In Social “Security”
Author Dennis Miller of The Burning Platform has an op-ed where he says “There is no ‘Security’ in Social Security.” He explains that Social Security does not work the way many think, in that the federal government is not “saving”…
WEP reform in 2022? Maybe!
Since 1983 the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) has affected public employees in a handful of states who did not pay into the Social Security sytem in their jobs but who also had employment where they did. The “penalty” has been…
Fed Rate Hikes & Your Retirement: What to Know
The Federal Reserve Board has been hiking interest rates at near record pace since early 2022. While most people know that hurts borrowers and debtors seeking loans, as they must now pay more for them, how are ordinary retirees affected?…
Do These 3 Things Before Deciding to Retire in 2023
Maurie Backman advises against just jumping into retirement. First, people should figure out what monthly Social Security benefits will be. Benefits are highest for life by waiting until age 70. Second, determine how much annual income you’ll get from your…
Social Security Tips for Couples
John Csiszar reminds those getting ready to file for Social Security benefits that there is more to it than just considering one’s age. Married couplies need to be strategic to maximize benefits when one dies before the other. The author…
Should You Worry About Social Security’s Future? Yes.
Maurie Backman explains the Social Security insolvency issue in this piece. The program is not going bankrupt, and it is not going away. But there are financial challenges, as Social Security will be unable to pay full promised benefits as…
On Social Security? There’s Good News on Inflation
Maurie Backman reports on some good news once seniors start collecting their 8.7% cost of living adjustment (COLA) in January. Inflation appears to be easing,. If that trend continues, seniors may actually gain some buying power with their “raises.” Normally…
What Retirees Need to Know About the Upcoming COLA
Trevor Jennewine starts by tracing the history of the automatic cost of living adjustment (COLA) to 1975. He then explains four things retirees should know about the 2023 increase: 1.) It’s the largest in 40 years at 8.7%; 2.) The COLA…
When Big Raise is Coming
Social Security recipients are in line for a 40-year high cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 8.7%. But when? Aimee Picchi of CBS News Moneywatch explains it will show up in the second, third, or fourth Wednesday in January 2023.…