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Winning the ‘early claiming’ game at Social Security
Kailey Hagen cites data showing more than 393,000 62-year-olds applied for Social Security in 2022. Any claim before 67, today’s full retirement age, constitutes an early claim and thus a reduced payment for life. Of course, early claims also mean…
How to Make an Early Retirement Work for You
What’s not to like about some benefits of retiring early such as avoiding the health impacts of a stressful job or getting to enjoy an open schedule at a time when you still have lots of energy? But Maurie Backman…
Good and Bad News on 2025 COLA
Mid October’s announcement date is still over five months away, but Katie Brockman says The Senior League is predicting a pretty scant 2.6% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients for 2025. On the one hand a smaller…
Social Security Numbers on the Dark Web
Theft of Social Security numbers is commonplace these days notes Alix Martichoux of Fox59.com. But not everyone who has been victimized in a data breach will end up victimized by identity theft. The author advises not to overly worry about…
The Unfortunate Truth About Delaying Social Security Until 70
It’s popular to read that most experts extoll the many benefits of waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security. After all, you get the maximum monthly benefit amount possible and for the rest of your life. But Adam Levy…
Dave Ramsey’s Advice: Risky or Wise?
Grab your benefit at age 62 and invest it all says financial guru Dave Ramsey. Christy Bieber analyzes the advice here. Ramsey’s suggestion is to claim Social Security early (even at the reduced benefit rate) and put all of the…
Potential changes may call for a reassessment of Americans retirement plans.
Some things that may affect retirement plans are an increase in the cost of living and the government making changes to Social Security. A significant majority of workers expect Social Security to be a major source of retirement income. Other…
Can Annuities help with your Social Security strategy?
There are a myriad of options to consider when deciding to claim Social Security benefits. Eligibility spans eight years, from age 62 to 70. If you want to retire early and delay taking Social Security, how do you fill in…
Marriage Rates, Birth Rates, and the Future of Social Security
The U.S. taxpayer-to-beneficiary ratio has dropped dramatically since the early days of Social Security, skidding from 42:1 in 1945 to less than 3:1 today, with projections calling for a continued decline in the years ahead. Although not the only factor…
Survey Results Point to an Unfolding “Retirement Crisis”
Nearly nine in ten participants in a recent Alliance for Prosperity and a Secure Retirement (APSR) poll feel a retirement crisis is on the way for Americans. With only about a quarter of the poll participants feeling confident in their…