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Beefing Up Your Social Security Monthly Benefit Payment
Many folks are aware that Social Security is part of one’s overall retirement financial planning, accounting for about 40% of one’s pre-retirement income. Given its place in overall retirement finances, some steps can be taken to ensure that Social Security…
Spousal Benefits and the Impact of Changes in Marital Status
As if Social Security rules were not complex enough, there’s a segment of the rulebook that makes the basic spousal benefit segment even more complicated. Some of the intricacies could reduce benefits in certain circumstances, and others could eliminate them.…
Understanding (and adapting to) this year’s Social Security changes
In addition to its everyday complexities, Social Security changes each year. Some of these changes are based on legislation (e.g., changes in the full retirement age), others are intended to keep the program aligned with the economy (e.g., cost-of-living adjustments).…
SSDI Eligibility Changes Under Consideration
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a key component of America’s social insurance framework, and in 2025, approximately 11 million beneficiaries received payments from this program. Becoming eligible for SSDI is a rigorous process, with age, education, and residual functional…
A Quick Refresher on the Bonus Deductioon for Seniors
The $6,000 “bonus” income tax deduction for seniors age 65 and older for tax years 2025-2028 will surface for the first time as this year’s IRS filing season gets underway. While the increased deduction is indeed beneficial for qualified taxpayers,…
2026 Social Seurity Payment Schedules
For those planning their income and expense cash flows for the coming year, now is a good time to examine the specific dates for Social Security benefit payments in 2026. A post yesterday by MSN.com’s David Maina provides a handy…
The Social Security Retirement Earnings Test–2026 Edition
Today’s headline post on this site discusses the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test, specifically noting the positive implications of its elimination. For those who’ve claimed their benefits before their full retirement age and are wondering exactly what this test means…
Musings on Social Security Through the Years
As 2025 winds to a close and we reflect on the somewhat steady stream of commentary about Social Security’s financial problems and its imminent insolvency, now seems a good time to take a breath and reflect on history. We’ve often…
Want to earn the maximum Social Security benefit? Here’s what to do.
The maximum monthly benefit available from Social Security in 2026 will be $5,251, or $63,012 annually. That’s an attractive target, of course, but very, very few workers will reach that level of payment. It’s a lofty goal, of course, but…
Understanding the long-term effects of two key Social Changes in 2026
Many of Social Security’s myriad details change annually, so 2026 is no different in that respect. There are, however, two fundamental provisions that should be understood by those not yet drawing benefits. They’re important because they affect future benefits. Check…