Latest News
A case for claiming Social Security at 70
One of the other articles posted today makes a case for claiming Social Security benefits at age 62. In an interesting dichotomy, this article suggests that if you want to live a comfortable life in retirement, waiting until age 70…
A case for claiming Soical Security at 62
In this Motley Fool article by columnist Christy Beiber, the author makes a case for why she plans to claim her Social Security at age 62. Three primary reasons are cited – that the program is designed to pay out the…
Workers unnecessarily fear Social Security’s demise, but should save more for retirement
According to this Motley Fool article by Maurie Backman, quoting a recent study, about 71% of American workers fear that Social Security won’t be there for them when they retire. Explaining that the fear is an unfounded myth, the author…
California DMV gives “inappropriate access” to Social Security data
Already under fire locally for shoddy service, the California DMV now reveals that Social Security information for about 3,200 drivers was “inappropriately” released to a number of local county and federal agencies. This was not a data hacking incident, but…
The Payroll Tax Cap and the maximum Social Security benefit
The payroll tax cap is the point at which you no longer need to pay Social Security FICA tax on your earnings which, for those in the higher income brackets, means they get an increase in their net pay when…
Staying ahead of inflation in retirement
Inflation is a quirky thing. That it has cruised along at a relatively low rate for a number of years now shouldn’t lull us into thinking that couldn’t change. One of the effects of low inflation is a correspondingly lower…
Social Security: Fulfilling a lifetime promise
In this informative Morning Call article from Social Security spokesperson Nichole Tiggemann, the author explains how Social Security is with you from birth through retirement, not only for your own benefits but also for your dependents and survivors. The article…
At what age should you claim Social Security?
For many, when to claim Social Security is not at all a well thought out strategy. Far too many simply apply as soon as they are eligible “because it’s there.” On the other hand, some seniors, aware that the longer…
The fallacy of Presidential candidates’ Social Security plan
As part of their campaign promises, Presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are proposing significant increases in Social Security benefits for all beneficiaries. According to the candidates, their proposals are based upon a principle that it’s too hard for seniors…
A new twist on Social Security scams
Scams about Social Security and the IRS have been around for quite a while now and we frequently warn of them on this website. The latest twist is scammers who call and claim to be able to either suspend or…