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Widow’s benefits, spousal benefits, and more from “Ask Larry”
Laurence Kotlikoff is a frequently published author on matters related to Social Security, most often in his regular financial advice column known as “Ask Larry”. In this article appearing in Forbes, Mr. Kotlikoff answers questions about a widow’s Social Security benefits,…
Should you take Social Security at age 66?
For many considering retirement these days, 66 is often their target age – the age at which they plan to hang up their work clothes and join the ranks of those pursuing a well earned life of leisure. And while claiming at age…
Social Security: There when you need it
There’s probably little argument that Social Security has become one of the most important earned benefit programs enjoyed by America’s senior citizens. It’s there for not only retirees, but also spouses, disabled workers, survivors and disabled children. This article by Jim…
Retirement planning: Down the generations
Nearly all of what you read today will suggest that American’s are woefully unprepared for their future retirement, especially as relates to how big a nest egg they have, or will have, when the golden years arrive. In this Chicago…
Some can get Social Security benefits before they’re 62
As it was first enacted, Social Security was envisioned as a program to provide benefits for older retirees, and even today those are who make up the majority of beneficiaries. Everyone knows that the usual eligibility age for benefits is…
Are my Social Security benefits taxable?
Whether or not your Social Security benefits are taxable income depends entirely on how much your “combined income” is. Combined income is your adjusted gross income from working, plus any non-taxable interest you may have and half of your total…
Don’t leave Social Security money on the table
If you would like more retirement income (and who wouldn’t?), then knowing some of the basic facts about Social Security will go a long way to helping you achieve that. Not paying attention to just a few key things before…
Be careful if you’re thinking of claiming Social Security at 65
Many people think of 65 as the age at which they should claim their Social Security benefits. 65 is, of course, the historic retirement age when the Social Security was first enacted, and to many enrolling in Medicare at 65 may…
Your Social Security Number: What does it say about you?
Everyone is familiar with their Social Security number, which has evolved into a method of identifying you for nearly everything from Social Security purposes to healthcare and financial services. But do you know what those 9 digits actually represent and…
Computing your Social Security benefit amount
In this article appearing in The Street financial e-magazine, contributor Robert Powell answers questions about how Social Security benefits are calculated in a couple of different circumstances. In one case he corrects some bad information that was given to a…