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Unpaid debt can reduce Social Security payments
Most creditors, including credit-card companies, cannot touch your Social Security payments, but some types of delinquent debt can reduce those monthly checks. Sarah O’Brien’s article on CNBC.com explains that kinds of debt that can get Social Security benefits reduced. The Treasury…
Take Spouse’s Needs Into Account When Claiming Social Security
For singles, the decision of when to file for Social Security boils down to your needs alone. If married, however, the stakes are higher because the choices you make regarding your benefits could dictate how much Social Security income your…
8 Realistic Ways to Supplement Your Retirement Income
Retirement income streams often consist of Social Security benefits, withdrawals from an IRA or 401(k), and pension payments, with Social Security being the largest income source for more than half of retirees. But Social Security only replaces about 40% of the average worker’s pre-retirement earnings. In this…
Caution when working while getting Social Security retirement benefits
Going back to work while receiving Social Security benefits may affect monthly benefits. The exact impact of your new paycheck on your Social Security checks depends on two primary factors: How old you are and how much you make. Christy…
Filing Early Cuts Social Security Benefits
Christy Bieber notes that filing for Social Security early reduces the size of monthly checks by as much as 30%, depending on just how early benefits begin. The earliest and currently the most popular age to begin is 62. Bieber stresses that the…
Happy 84th Birthday to Social Security
President Franklin Roosevelt signed The Social Security Act into law on Aug. 14, 1935 in the middle of The Great Depression. It was essentially an anti-poverty program designed to provide a financial foundation for older workers who could no longer…
Why one proposed Social Security ‘fix’ won’t work
Brenton Smith writes on the issue of Social Security for numerous media outlets. Smith’s op-ed here focuses on the shortcomings of the Strengthen Social Security by Taxing Dynastic Wealth Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). The new law would turn the estate…
All about 401k plans
Maurie Backman discusses 401k plans in depth in this piece. Since Social Security replaces only about 40 percent of pre-retirement income, and traditional pensions have largely gone the way of the do-do bird, 401k plans have become a crucial pillar for…
Delayed Retirement Credits Explained
Christy Bieber explains delayed retirement benefit credits in depth. In a nutshell, one of the most straightforward ways to earn delayed retirement credits is to file for benefits after reaching your government-designated full retirement age (FRA). This is between 66 and 67 depending on…
Yes income tax is due on Soc Sec benefits in some cases
Seniors are often stunned to find out they must pay income tax on some of their Social Security benefits. It’s not always avoidable, but some planning can help. Katie Brockman’s easy to understand piece here explains the thresholds for when…