Latest News
Survivor Benefits and Garnishment: It’s Important to Understand What Could Happen
Dealing with the aftermath of losing a loved one is, without question, one of the most troubling times for a survivor. And when it comes to finances, stress can magnify substantially, especially when there’s a debt burden. Consequently, it’s critical…
A Reminder to Check Your Work and Tax Payment History
Now is the time to verify that the information held on your behalf in the Social Security Administration files is correct. After all, it is the basis for determining the benefits that will be payable to you and anyone dependent…
2027 COLA Watch: Would a Hefty Upswing Improve Your Standard of Living?
Most “experts” these days are producing giddy proclamations about what could be a substantial increase in the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that beneficiaries will see in their January 2027 deposits. Estimates as high as 3.9% are in the…
“Social Security Fairness”: A wave of fraud in the aftermath
The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 84) became law in the waning days of the Biden Administration and included provisions not only for increased monthly benefits for some but also for substantial retroactive payments for many. The scammers, of course,…
Understanding the “Break-Even Age” and How it Applies to Your Claiming Decision
The “when to file” question is one of the more frequent ones we receive here at the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service. And although we know it’s frustrating, our answer universally is “it depends.” Most financial planners will tell…
The Senior Citizens League Weighs-In on the “Six Figure Limit”
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) has created a bit of a stir with its recent proposal for Congress to consider placing a ceiling on the amount of benefits available to married couples and, by extension, unmarried claimants. The…
The Myths That Just Won’t Die!
We’ve covered this subject many, many times over the years on this website, but unfortunately, several myths and rumors have cemented themselves as “facts” in the minds of many. Probably the most visceral of these is the “politicians stole the…
Implications of Claiming at Age 70: Consider Survivor Benefits in the Equation
Conventional retirement finance planning suggests deferral of benefits until age 70 to capitalize on delayed retirement credits. Yes, you do get a higher monthly benefit, and depending on the number of months you receive that payment, you can maximize your…
Proposed modernization of the Medicare Savings Programs
To simplify access to the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPS), the Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab has drafted four model policies. Medicare Savings Programs are special benefit programs sponsored by state Medicaid agencies. They are designed to relieve some (or…
Employers overestimating the financial health of their employees
A recent survey by the Transamerica Institute “found a consistent pattern of employers overestimating the financial health of their workforce while workers quietly absorb the consequences of persistent inflation, inadequate benefits, and mounting retirement anxiety.” One of the most alarming…