Latest News
An Update on Social Security’s Spousal Benefit Provisions
The issue of qualifying for spousal benefits under Social Security can be confusing, given the rules for divorced spouses, the rules for Restricted Applications, and so on. This “Help with My Social Security.com” post on player.fm offers some interpretations that can…
Now is the Perfect Time to Check on Your Retirement List
(Source: Social Security Administration) With every change of season, there’s usually a list of essential items that must be done. If you’re getting your house ready for winter, you are likely getting your furnace serviced and cleaning your gutters among…
Social Security’s Crisis is Here
With several disquieting comments summarizing the legislative inaction that has marked Social Security’s advance toward insolvency, EconLib contributor David Henderson speculates that the ability to bank on the nearly $3 trillion maintained in the Social Security Trust Funds has enabled a resolution…
Social Security Shows Up Big in Campaign Platforms
Along with health care, the topic of Social Security and the need to preserve it as a senior benefit program occupied a fairly significant place so far in election campaign ads. An article by reporter David Wright, posted on www.cnn.com, itemizes the…
Worried About Retirement Finances? So’s Your Employer!
Retirement research firm TIAA recently concluded that employers–as sponsors of retirement plans–share their employees concerns about financial security in retirement. Of particular note is the level of concern about the health care costs in later years. In a post on…
Social Security Misunderstandings (and Just Plain Wrong Answers)
It’s been said that whenever you have a question or a dilemma you need to resolve, there are two readily available sources of advice: the neighbor on your left and the neighbor on your right. Unfortunately, these two sources often differ…
Filing Early? Watch this.
In an informative video that covers just about a minute and a half, USA Today presents an overview of Social Security in terms of how early filing impacts monthly benefits. The video, titled “Your social security check might be less…
Social Security COLA Watch – A Six-Year High?
USA Today’s Karl Gelles, in a post on www.usatoday.com, offers COLA watchers some new excitement: The highest cost-of-lving adjustment since 2012 may be on the horizon. It all depends on the August and September, but there’s even the possibility that a 3%…
Social Security: Your Vote Could Make a Difference
Primary elections are taking place and, in the aftermath, it’s good time to assess the platforms of the candidates selected to represent your party in the General Elections. Take time to get a feel for their stance on issues like…
Another Scam Alert: “Medicare” Callers
The release of new Medicare cards–you know, the ones that have the Social Security number removed–has spawned a new scam. In this one, the callers identify themselves as affiliated with “Medicare” and ask for your Social Security number in order…