Q & A
Ask Rusty – When is the best time for me to claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I will be 66 ½ in June and would like to discuss when would be the best time for me to start taking my social security benefits. I am still employed full time and don’t want to be…
Ask Rusty – Can My Wife and I get Spouse Benefits from each other?
Dear Rusty: My wife and I are currently collecting Social Security. We both started receiving SS at 62 years old. That said, we get by on a tight budget. A retired friend told us about an option which allows a…
Ask Rusty – Will My Medicare Premium Change because I Sold Investment Property?
Dear Rusty: I have questions concerning the deduction of money from my Social Security benefit amount as relates to the sale of investment property. I am 66 years old and have been drawing Social Security since I turned 62. My…
Ask Rusty – Can I Avoid Paying the Medicare Premium?
Dear Rusty: Is there any way I can get out of paying the $185 I am told will be taken out of my Social Security for Medicare Part B when I turn 65? We pay for Medicare all our working…
Ask Rusty – Should I Wait until Age 70 to Claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I am a married woman, at my full retirement age, and the primary earner in my marriage. How do I know if I should take my Social Security now or wait till 70? I will lose quite a…
Ask Rusty – Can I Get Extra Social Security for my Military Service?
Dear Rusty: Please help. I served from 1964 to 1966 in the US Army. I have been trying to contact Social Security in order to request extra benefits for veterans. The telephone is a recording, and you never get to…
Ask Rusty – Why was Social Security money moved to the General Treasury?
Dear Rusty: Why were the Social Security funds moved from the Social Security account to the General Fund with the government? Is it not then called a tax making it an entitlement? That then gives the government control of our…
Ask Rusty – About Social Security Benefits for Someone with Multiple Ex-spouses
Dear Rusty: If a financially well-off individual had multiple ex-spouses, could it happen that the multiple ex-spouses could each be collecting Social Security based on their own financial situation as compared to their rich ex-spouses? Thus, multiple payouts by SS?…
“Ask Rusty- Clarification of Medicare, IRMAA and MAGI”
Dear Rusty: I am confused by an article in my local newspaper which said that “MAGI” (modified adjusted gross income), on which my Medicare Part B premium is based, is my Adjusted Gross Income, plus any non-taxable interest, plus 50%…
Ask Rusty – About When to Claim Social Security and Taxation of Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am 65 and currently working full-time. Can I apply for and start receiving my Social Security benefit? I’d expect to have to pay income tax on it if/when I do. Signed: Curious Worker Dear Curious Worker: If…