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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…
The offset to COLA increases
Nearly 22 million seniors get by on Social Security alone. This makes the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) a mechanism to ensure that Social Security benefits maintain their purchasing power in the face of inflation. The COLA for 2026…
Is Medicare Advantage the best option for you?
Medicare Advantage plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans often bundle Part D prescription drug coverage and may include additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing, or wellness programs. But are they the…
Some retirees won’t be able to take advantage of the new tax deduction
Are there taxes on Social Security benefits is the question that is asked all the time. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced a new tax deduction for most retirees. However, there are certain eligibility requirements that you must meet…
The impact of higher oil prices on Social Security
If the current tensions continue, seniors may see a larger cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2027. Why? If oil prices continue to rise due to the war, this may lead to an increase in overall inflation numbers. Since Energy costs are…