Latest News
Questioning the “Inevitability” of Benefit Cuts
As Social Security steadily spirals toward a 2032 insolvency, repeated media accounts warn of an across-the-board benefit cut of more than 20%…some say as high as 28%. Without question, that is a concern for many seniors and Social Security beneficiaries,…
Sovereign Wealth Fund in the News…Again
The idea of a $150 trillion debt-funded solution to Social Security’s long-term actuarial problem has been in play for some time, with conflicting views on how — or if — it would be a viable solution. We covered an initial…
OBBBA and it’s Long-Term Impact on Social Security Finances
The $6,000 temporary “senior deduction” included in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act created welcomed relief for many taxpayers. That’s the good news. The not-so-good news, as explained in a 247wallst.com post by contributor Maurie Backman, is that this…
Debating the Suggestion to Eliminate the Taxable Maximum
It’s an on-again, off-again topic when it comes to dealing with Social Security’s financial woes. Popular thought often leans toward applying the payroll tax to all wages, not just the portion below the annual maximum ($184,500 in 2026). Rational thought,…
Social Security and Divorce: Clarifying the Rules
As if a divorce situation doesn’t create enough anxiety, enter the world of Social Security and its rules for retirement benefits and spousal benefits for former marriage partners. Qualifying for benefits depends on multiple factors, including who can file when,…
Retirement and Social Security Readiness–A Quick Assessment
For many folks approaching Social Security eligibility, the decision about when to take that benefit-claiming step is not an easy one. After all, it’s permanent, and it tends to be based on some very fundamental unknowns–like, for example, how long…
A Reminder to Verify Your Earnings History
Yes, mistakes do happen. That’s why it’s wise to ensure that the information maintained by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in your individual earnings history has been accurately recorded. After all, this record of your earnings is the very basis…
Iran, Oil Proces, and COLA…The Speculation is in Full Force
Even though we’re a long, long way from the mechanics of 2027’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment calculation, the COLA watch has begun. For example, a post yesterday on msn.com trumpeted this headline, “Oil shock may spike 2027 Social Security boost,”…
Even millionaires fear this in retirement
Many retirees fear that they will outlive their retirement savings and investments. Even millionaires fear that they could possibly outline their savings according to the recent Northwestern Mutual Planning and Progress study. Shelby Fishman, writing for MarketWatch, reports on how…
Retirement on your own terms
The 2026 State of Retirement Planning Study by Fidelity Investments found that over 70 percent of participants are expecting to retire on their own terms in the future. A large number of the participants expect to transition into retirement instead…