Latest News
Social Security scams are an ongoing problem
While it’s certainly not the first time we’ve posted warnings here about Social Security scams, it’s a message that bears repeating: Social Security scammers are out there and continue to try to bilk you out of your money. Using tactics…
Op-ed: NO tax increases to fix Social Security
Alfredo Ortiz, president and chief executive of the Job Creators Network, flatly rejects any tax increase as the fix for what ails Social Security in this op-ed piece in The Hill. Ortiz specifically cites legislation introduced by Rep. John Larson (D-CT), chairman…
Social Security advisors see growing role
It’s small wonder more people are turning to financial advisors for Social Security questions with a recent Gallup poll stating more than 40 percent of people say they worry about the Social Security system a “great deal.” Defined benefit plans,…
What The 50+ Population Should Know About Retirement Planning
While no one should wait until their 50s to start retirement planning, this article does note four things that can be done as one approaches the decade before retirement. This is a list to which everyone 50 and older should adhere: 1.)…
Social Security – a record income in 2018
With all the gloom surrounding Social Security’s long term fiscal health, one fact rises above that. The income the program generated in 2018 surpassed $1 trillion for the first time ever. The program had been forecast to run a deficit. …
Delaying Social Security yields bigger monthly payouts
Social Security is a complex program with no simple answer regarding when one should start receiving benefits. But one axiom is absolutely true– the longer you wait, the more money you’ll get. This piece by Tanza Loudenback in Business Insider provides…
Widows, widowers and Social Security benefits
Mary Beth Franklin, writing for Investment News, notes surviving spouses have more claiming options than other types of Social Security beneficiaries, but timing is crucial. As an example, full retirement age for survivor benefits may be different than the full retirement age…
Would raising taxes cure Social Security’s ills?
An easily quantifiable way to solve Social Security’s shortfall would be to increase to the 6.2% tax rate that employers and employees each pay on the first $132,900 in income in 2019. Matthew Frankel explores how much of a tax increase it would take…
Claiming benefits at age 70 is usually the way to go
Experts on Social Security generally agree on one thing, delaying benefits as long as possible is smart. It pays to wait, with one’s benefit increasing 8% per year from full retirement age (now 66 to 67) to age 70, the…
Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) says strengthen Soc Sec
Congressman Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, summarized the challenges facing Social Security as referenced in the annual Trustees Report of April 22nd. Calling the report “alarming”, he challenged Congress to tackle the looming insolvency…