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Survey results are in: Most don’t know Social Security basics
The somewhat stunning results from a recent survey of one thousand individuals, revealed that 96% of those surveyed demonstrated a shocking lack of understanding of Social Security, a program which does, or will, play a major, if not crucial role in their retirement…
A psychological opinion for why people claim Social Security early
In spite of the fact that there’s an eight year window of time during which people can claim their Social Security benefits, and despite the reality that the earlier you claim, the less your benefit will be (and vice versa),…
Social Security’s Online Services
The Social Security Administration has been transitioning to improved online services for several years now, and the list of services available online continues to grow. From applying for benefits online, to requesting a replacement card, to obtaining estimated benefits and…
About paying taxes on your Social Security income
Taxes are one of two inevitable things. And while that’s well known by most when it comes to earned income and investment income, your Social Security benefits may, or may not be, taxable income also. Where you live might affect your taxes…
Approaching retirement? Here are some things you should do
The best time to think seriously about your retirement is well before you actually retire. And that’s not a luxury but simply a very smart thing to do. Retirement planning can be as complex or as simple as you wish…
A true story about a Social Security fraud attempt
We’ve often featured articles about the increase in fraud attempts and scams which try to get at Social Security benefits of unsuspecting people. One particularly egregious scam is when a cyber-criminal tries to fraudulently open an online “My Social Security” account…
How your health affects when you should claim Social Security
Most advisors, when looking solely at the financial elements of your retirement, will recommend that you delay claiming Social Security as long as you can. But reality is that everyone’s personal situation is different, and there a some very valid reasons…
A Social Security myth debunked
In this article by The AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory staff, the author debunks a myth often recited – that your Social Security benefits are based upon the last few years of your earnings from working. This “Ask Rusty” article appears…
Social Security’s Compassionate Allowance List Expanded
Social Security’s “compassionate allowance list” (“CAL”) is a catalog of specific illnesses and conditions which somewhat automatically qualify a person with a listed condition for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Social Security Administration recently announced the addition of…
Social Security’s Future Financial Woes
In this somewhat paradoxical and tongue-n-cheek account, author Tom Purcell describes a fictional conversation with a CPA about Social Security’s financial woes. Despite his humorous approach, the author tackles a very serious subject – the Social Security program needs Congressional action in…