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Earning Social Security work credits, and how to do it
Work credits are the basic building blocks which determine whether or not you are eligible to collect Social Security retirement benefits when you reach the magic age of 62. But not all the money you receive and claim on your…
The benefits of getting older? Senior Discounts!
For many of America’s senior citizens, retirement means a lower monthly income and more time to spend it. And getting the most out of your retirement dollars is not only financially prudent, it can make your spending experience at least…
Your 2% COLA increase will start in 2018
After several years of no and very low COLA increases, Social Security beneficiaries will finally see a decent 2% raise in their benefits starting in January of next year. While certainly not a windfall, the average retired worker getting $1,377 can…
Your identity data’s value on the black market
With so many recent reports of identity information being stolen, especially the massive identity theft from credit reporting company Equifax, you may wonder how such stolen data is worth to cyber-criminals. Not as much as you might think because the…
Mistakenly declared dead by Social Security creates a nightmare
We’ve all heard that mistakes happen. But when in the course of recording 2.8 million annual deaths, Social Security inadvertently declares someone dead who is very much alive, the financial nightmare that ensues can be devastating. One such case, out…
Social Security & Medicare are two different programs
Confusing Social Security’s rules with Medicare’s rules can have some costly consequences, especially for those still working and who remain covered under an employer healthcare plan once they reach Medicare’s normal activation age of 65. With such coverage, it’s not necessary…
NSSA Honors 2017 “Advisors of the Year”
(Source: www.erienewsnow.com) NSSA Advisors Wm. Steve Wright, managing member of Wright Legacy Group in Elizabethtown, Ky., and Steven Roeth, director of wealth management at Sun City Financial in Las Vegas, were selected NSSA Advisor of the Year for helping retirees and those planning for retirement…
Dealing With Social Security’s Disability Case Backlogs
An article by Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter Jeff Caplan puts a spotlight on the plight of those attempting to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Citing a 483-day wait as the norm in Fort Worth, and calling it one of…
Black Market Pricing for Your Social Security Number
The severity of problems caused by inadequate security spiked again this year, with major announcements (like the Equifax breach that exposed 145 million individuals’ records) hitting the airwaves with alarming frequency. But besides making most of us uncomfortable, what’s it…
A Quick Primer On Social Security Basics
MoneyWatch reporter Jillian Harding, in a post today on www.cbsnews.com, provides a broadbrush look at some basic Social Security parameters. Understating these very basic pointers are a good beginning for anyone wishing to become conversant in the ins and outs of…