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How Heavily Should You Rely on Social Security?
Don’t rely on it is the short answer to the question of Social Security benefits. It pays a mere 40% of pre-retirement income. From inception it was always meant as one of two or even three pillars of a successful…
Can You Lose Your Social Security Over Delinquent Debt?
Robin Hartill tackles a very important question for those collecting Social Security who have some debt. While private creditors cannot garnish Social Security checks there are some scenarios where delinquent debt could result in smaller Social Security checks. They are below,…
Don’t let Social Security steer you wrong
Liz Weston of NerdWallet makes a strong case here for getting professional advice about Social Security. Claiming strategies are important, particularly where spouses are concerned. Weston gives examples of people who were led astray or given inaccurate information by the Social…
Are You Eligible for the $3,895 Max Social Security Benefit?
Katie Brockman is very clear right off the bat that very few will get the absolute maximum monthly Social Security benefit of $3,895. The average is $1,557 per month. But who gets the max and how is it possible? Length…
How much will your Social Security benefits be?
CNBC is out with a brief introduction here and then a great three minute video that explains just what you can expect to get in Social Security benefits based on what you now make. The current average monthly benefit is about…
What Happens to Social Security When You Die?
Social Security is the most important program for America’s seniors. yet it can be complicated to understand. Vance Cariaga tackles the issue of death and what happens next to one’s benefits. As she explains, payments simply cease on death. Funeral homes…
Trustees Report 2021 is complicated, but bottom line is clear
It’s the annual and always much anticipated health report and projection for Social Security. Well, it came out this month, and the news is predictably not especially good long term for the nation’s most important social safety net. This MarketWatch op-ed by Alicia…
Consider Claiming Social Security at 62 When Planning
It’s the most common age people begin benefits– 62. Most experts suggest not doing it though, as waiting yields higher benefits for each month delayed, all the way to age 70. But Christy Bieber has a different take in this…
A fourth stimulus for seniors?
While no one should hold their breath for any more stimulus from Congress, the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League believes one is necessary. Inflation has indeed accelerated, with steep prices increases for gas, food, cars and other necessities in 2021. It is…
Is Social Security Going Bust?
Social Security’s demise is often written about, but the story is not quite as many think it is. True, its financial troubles are real, but perspective is needed. Maurie Backman covers that in this piece, noting that payroll taxes are declining…