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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…
“Social Security Fairness”: A wave of fraud in the aftermath
The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 84) became law in the waning days of the Biden Administration and included provisions not only for increased monthly benefits for some but also for substantial retroactive payments for many. The scammers, of course,…
Understanding the “Break-Even Age” and How it Applies to Your Claiming Decision
The “when to file” question is one of the more frequent ones we receive here at the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service. And although we know it’s frustrating, our answer universally is “it depends.” Most financial planners will tell…
The Senior Citizens League Weighs-In on the “Six Figure Limit”
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) has created a bit of a stir with its recent proposal for Congress to consider placing a ceiling on the amount of benefits available to married couples and, by extension, unmarried claimants. The…
The Myths That Just Won’t Die!
We’ve covered this subject many, many times over the years on this website, but unfortunately, several myths and rumors have cemented themselves as “facts” in the minds of many. Probably the most visceral of these is the “politicians stole the…