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Social Security for Divorced Spouses
A divorced spouse may be eligible for benefits from their ex, depending on whether certain conditions are met. The basic rule is that you must have been married for at least 10 years to be eligible for ex-spouse benefits, but…
The Pros and Cons of Claiming Social Security Early
Age 62 is when you first become eligible to claim Social Security retirement benefits, but whether to do so at that time is a question most of us wrestle with. Reality is that there are good reasons to claim at…
Reopening of Social Security Offices
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Social Security field offices have been closed to public access, so simply visiting your local office and getting assistance has been impossible. More recently, Social Security did start accepting in-person appointments, but only…
How Your Spouse is Affected By Your Benefit
Social Security isn’t just an individual benefit, especially when it comes to a married couple. There is often a sizable difference between the partners’ personal benefit amounts, and in some cases one spouse may even be ineligible for Social Security…
Social Security Planning: Hints for the Long-Range
If you’ve looked in any depth at Social Security, you’ve most likely come away glazed over after realizing the myriad and complex details that affect your decision points. The program is complex, for sure, so achieving the best arrangements for…
If Your Retirement Plans look to be a little short, here are some things to consider
Anyone looking ahead to their retirement years should be regularly assessing how adequate their financial preparations are. To not do so sets you up for disappointment and pain when you reach that life stage. So, what do you do? There…
Pros and Cons of Putting Off Retirement
For many folks, these are uncertain times. From the pain of inflation and the impact on available cash, to the uncertainty of a potentially lingering pandemic, those aging into the retirement window are wondering just when is the right time…
Taxation of Social Security Benefits…More Thoughts on the Issue
One of the more unpleasant surprises for new retirees, and one of the continuing annoyances for those who have been long-retired, is the simple fact that Social Security benefits can be subject to federal income taxation. And it’s becoming a…
The Importance of Understanding Full Retirement Age
Folks aging into Social Security eligibility face a number of key decision points, most of which have a direct impact on the eventual amount of their monthly benefit. While each decision is important, perhaps the most significant is understanding the…
A Day in the Life of a Social Security Information Source
Social Security Administration veteran Tom Margenau, now affiliated with Creators Syndicate, performs a role somewhat similar to that played by our accredited Advisors at the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service. In a post on creators.com, he shares a story…