Latest News
Obtaining New or Replacement Social Cards Now Online
In keeping with its “digital first” direction, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing a simplified approach to obtaining or replacing Social Security identification cards via an online process intended as a convenience and time-saving step. The move is part…
COLA Watch – 2027
Yes, the official calculation of the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is still about eight months away. But since it’s such a popular topic for pundits to discuss, we’re already seeing forecasts of what beneficiaries could see in their January…
Anaylzing the Claiming Age Trade-offs
Although age 62 remains the most popular age for claiming Social Security benefits, and although many folks realize that deferring that decision will yield a higher monthly benefit, deciding to jump in or wait can be agonizing. A thoughtful decision…
A Quick Primer on Social Security
If you’re just beginning to consider the U.S. Social Security program, it’s wise to start with a basic account of the foundational elements of this 90-year-old senior benefit program. Freelance writer Miranda Marquit, in a post on Britannica Money’s website,…
Retirement Outlook Taking on an Increasingly Gloomy Perspective
The combination of inadequate savings and excessive debt is eroding optimism among future retirees, according to Pew Research Center reports. “40% of American adults don’t feel confident they’ll have enough income and assets to last their entire retirement…” says Moneywise…
How Extenzive are Social Security Benefits for the Higher Earners?
Most folks are aware that Social Security benefits are calculated using progressive formulas that replace a higher percentage of lifetime earnings for low-wage workers than for high-wage earners. This, of course, reflects the program’s intent to help keep low-income workers…
A Quick Update on Social Security Benefit Reduction History
With the potential for Social Security benefits looming in the near future, we thought now would be a good time to reflect on some history. Specifically, we’re linking you to an article posted on the Prescott News website by their…
Social Security’s steadily eroding base…and what it could mean to you
Social Security’s financial reserves — the cushion that, for the past few years, has enabled the program to pay scheduled benefits in full — are evaporating at an increasing rate. For example, in 2024, the program paid out $67 billion…
Highlighting the Inadequacy of Social Security’s COLA
Much has been written about Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) process and its inability to keep pace with the cost patterns seniors face. The Senior Citizens League, for example, reports on its website that “Social Security benefits have lost…
Claiming Social Security Benefits: Some Fundamentals that assess your readiness
It’s a big step… no doubt about that! Many folks aging into Social Security eligibility agonize over whether they are ready to pull the plug and claim their benefits, a decision that involves a range of factors. A post by…