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Generation X: Time to Take a Long View Toward Retirement
For Generation Xers — those born between 1965 and 1980—their 60s might seem some distance off, but for many of them it really isn’t. That’s why the results of a recent survey of 2000 members of this demographic cohort by…
An “Ideal” Circumstance for Claiming Social Security Benefits at Age 62
It can be a torturous question, this issue of when to file for Social Security benefits. Sure, you’re aware of the reduction in monthly payments you’ll receive, and you’re aware of the persistent advice of financial “experts” that it’s best…
Social Security and Your Retirement Financial Plan–Assembling the Pieces
If you are beginning to take a look ay how your retirement years will be financed, congratulations! Many folks, unfortunately, do not take a long-term view on this subject and often find themselves arriving at key decision points unprepared to…
Claiming Social Security Benefits–What Time is the Right Time?
That’s one of those questions that typically gets a response of, “Well, it depends.” As frustrating as that may be, it does encapsulate the point that the answer does in fact depend on some significant variables. Deciding when to claim…
Candidate Pence on Social Security Reform
Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate Mike Pence, speaking in a recent CNN Iowa town hall, essentially disagreed with the stance voiced by Donald Trump and Joe Biden on Social Security reform, noting that making no changes is not…
Taxation of Social Security Benefits
As the old saying goes, only two things are certain, and one of them is taxes. Many new Social Security beneficiaries are surprised (and perplexed) to learn that their benefits are subject to income tax if their combined income from…
House Opens Markup Work on Two Bills Aimed at Identity Fraud Protection
U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means began markup work on two bills introduced to guard against identity theft. The two bills are: H.R. 3784, the “Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act”, and H.R. 3667, the…
Spousal Benefits: A Refresher on the Fundamentals
The question of benefits available to spouses is an area we deal with frequently here at the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service. For many, an understanding of the rules and provisions embedded in the Social Security playbook can help…
Claiming Benefits at 62 Still Popular, but Is It Wise?
Well, as we typically begin our response to inquiries, “It depends.” There may be circumstances when it makes sense, as in the case of someone with an expectedly shortened life span, or someone who has ample financial resources and wants…
Social Security Rules Associated With Living and Working Abroad
Hundreds of thousands of Social Security participants–contributors and beneficiaries–fall into the category of “ex-patriots” or, in the vernacular, Expats, so it’s not that unique an occurrence. So, if an offshore relocation is in your plan, know that although you aren’t…