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“Claim and Invest”–Yet Another Viewpoint on the Early vs. Deferred Strategy
The question of whether to claim Social Security benefits at the earliest opportunity (age 62) or at one’s full retirement age (FRA), or take advantage of Delayed Retirement Credits and wait till age 70, gets a lot of attention in…
When the Dream Goes Haywire…Dealing With the Unexpected in Retirement…
Sometimes (well, maybe oftentimes is a better way to say it), things don’t turn out the way you intended. You arrive there, only to find out that “there” is somewhere else. Forbes contributor Robert Laura, using a human interest scenario, describes some…
Recapping the 2018 Social Security Changes
If you’ve been reading the posts on the Social Security Report website, then none of the changes set to kick in January 1 will be a surprise to you. It’s still a good idea though, to take a mini-refresher on…
Three Things You Need to Know about Seasonal Work and Social Security
(Source: Social Security Administration) Right after Halloween, stores and businesses begin advertising that they’re looking for seasonal workers. It’s a good way to make extra income during the busy holiday season. We know you may have some questions about seasonal…
‘Tis the season…Here’s Another Scam
“We regret to inform you your social security number is going to be suspended due to suspicious and fraudulent activity.” That’s the content of a robocall making the rounds, as explained in a post by WFMY’s Tanya Rivera. For more…
Another View of Americans’ Retirement Savings Patterns
Contrary to the persistent reports that Americans are not putting enough aside for their retirement years, the results of a recent YouGov survey indicate that the trend may be shifting. In a post by marketingcharts.com’s editorial staff, the percentage of folks…
Understanding the Riddle that is the Social Security COLA/Medicare Part B Relationship
Yes, Social Security recipient will receive a 2% increase in their monthly benefit, but no, most of these recipients will not have more money available to meet their routine household expenses. Morningstar columnist Mark Miller explains how this is so in…
A Primer on IRAs and their Rulebook
The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman, in a post on Madison.com, provides a recap of some of the details and rules associated with Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). If you’re thinking about IRAs as partof your retieement planning, it’s a quick read that…
Medical Expense Deduction Safe…or Now.
The Senate’s version of the tax reform effort preserves–in fact improves–the income tax deduction for medical expenses, rolling the 10% threshold to its previous level of 7.5%. Read an analysis of the issue, and what happens next, by Time.com’s Elizabeth O’Brien…
ICYMI: The 2018 Wage Base Limit for Social Security Tax
If you’re in the midst of developing your budget for the coming year, and if you fall into the category of “high wage earners,” here’s a reminder of the 2018 maximum amount subject to Social Security tax. This cap–$128400–represents an…