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Are You Eligible for a Social Security Spousal Benefit?
Both current spouses and divorced spouses may be eligible for a spousal benefit. A spouse can receive a spousal benefit if their spouse is eligible for a Social Security benefit and already receiving it. You don’t even have to have…
The Cost of Medicare Part B Should Be Part of Your Retirement Plan
The cost of Medicare Part B has been rising steadily for several years. If you are 65 years old and on Medicare, the premium is deducted directly from your Social Security benefit. The cost of Medicare Part B costs is…
The Social Security Administration Is Going Big on Technology
On March 7th, 2026, Social Security is launching its new National Scheduling and Workload Systems. These two new systems will change how the field offices handle claims and schedule appointments. When the SSA implements the National Appointment Scheduling Calendar (NASC),…
Surviving Spouse and Social Security
Surviving Spouse and Social Security It’s difficult to acknowledge that one spouse usually outlives the other, but it’s hard to make important decisions when that time comes. One of the decisions you will have to make is when to start…
Trying to Locate a Lost 401 (k) or Pension?
If you have switched jobs over the years and left a 401(k) or Pension behind, the information in an article written by Sarah Agostino may help you locate it. She provides information on websites that can help you locate them.…
When Should You Take Your Social Security Benefits?
When to take your Social Security benefit is a decision only you can make. If you are married, you should decide with your spouse. This decision will affect the rest of your life. You should consider your life expectancy (you…
Estimating Your Life Expectancy is One of the Most Important Parts of Retirement Planning
No one knows how long they will live, but it is important to consider your life expectancy when deciding when to retire. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a 65-year-old retiree today should expect to live…
The 2026 COLA: The Net Increase, and its Relationship to Inflation
Social Security beneficiaries saw a gross increase of 2.8% in their monthly payments, but most have now realized that the net increase was less than that. This, of course, is the result of the $17.90 Medicare Part B premium increase…
Workflow Changes, DOGE data handling, and the Government Shutdown: Social Security Perpectives
An Investopedia post by personal finance writer Elizabeth Guevara notes that in about a month, changes to the Social Security Administration’s workflow processes will provide increased focus on in-person service and specialized teams managing complex cases. The changes follow staffing…
Rethinking the Early Filing Decision
Claiming Social Security benefits at the program’s Early Eligibility Age–62–remains the most popular choice, statistically anyway. Most claimants realize the monthly benefit received via early filing is reduced from the amount available at full retirement age, but financial experts wonder…