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Four things to know about spousal benefits
The Social Security program allows spouses to claim benefits based on their husbands’ or wives’ benefits. Keith Speights covers the issue in this piece. Most importantly, you may not claim such a benefit before your spouse is receiving them. However,…
Applying for Social Security in 2025? Do 3 Things Now
If 2025 is your chosen year to retire and begin Social Security benefits, Kailey Hagen advises to do the following three things to ensure you don’t accidentally shortchange yourself. It’s worth taking some time in these last few days of…
The Promises & Perils of Surprise Early Retirement
What is surprise early retirement? Angela Mae notes only 1 in 5 are financially stable enough to retire early by choice. For most it is health reasons or job loss that force the issue. The situation can be financially devastating…
3 “Secret” Social Security Rules All Married Retirees Should Know
Couples have a key advantage over single adults when it comes to retirement planning. As long as one person worked long enough to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, both will receive checks. This can significantly increase the cash available…
Discuss Social Security Spousal Benefits in Advance
Katie Brockman notes a healthy discussion of, and even strategizing on, spousal and survivor benefits (they’re different) should take place while both partners are alive. The most one can receive in spousal benefits is 50% of your partner’s full benefit…
3 Reasons You Can Get Larger Social Security Checks in 2025
Katie Brockman notes the 2.5% cost of living adjustment for Social Security benefits here, which translates to an average increase of $48 per month for one collecting $1,925. But other amounts are changing too. One can earn more if working…
10 Tips To Increase Your Retirement Savings In 2025
True Tamplin, writing here for FORBES, covers topics in finance and business. Since retirement savings are a cornerstone of financial security, he provides this guide of targeted strategies to help people increase their retirement savings for the year ahead. About…
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Reaches 10-year Milestone
Yesterday, the ABLE Act marked its 10th anniversary. Officially known as the “Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act,” was part of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 and created the ability for individuals with disabilities…
Retirement Thoughts that Keep Folks Awake
It’s a scary time for many…this pre-retirement phase when you begin to reflect on how prepared your are (or aren’t) for stepping into the post-career chapter. For some, it can produce resolve to gear up for the home stretch, while…
Thoughts on Dealing with SSA’s Customer Service Issues
Many know that the Social Security Administration field offices face staffing issues, which creates difficulties for folks who prefer on-site office visits. In the face of that problem, the agency has re-emphasized using online capabilities to conduct many relatively routine…