Q & A
Ask Rusty – Will Retiring Early from Work Affect my Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I stopped working at age 55, well before my full retirement age of 66 years and 10 months. I had over 35 years working prior to retiring from work. I don’t intend to start collecting Social Security until…
Ask Rusty – About Including “COLA” in Benefit Projections
Dear Rusty: In your reply to “Confused Senior” about when to claim Social Security benefits, I noticed that you did not take into account any compounded annual increases in benefit payments. While these are not guaranteed and are dependent upon…
Ask Rusty – Is It Always Best to Wait Until Age 70 to Claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I’m 66 years old and still (self) employed as a home builder. I have not taken Social Security benefits yet, and don’t need to at this time. If relevant, my business struggled when I first started it five…
Ask Rusty – Does Paying SS Tax Now Increase My Benefit?
Dear Rusty: I started drawing my benefits at age 62 due to being laid off from my job at age 60. I have continued working part time and been paying Social Security and Medicare taxes ever since. I am now…
Ask Rusty – If I Apply Now, When Will I Get My First Social Security Payment?
Dear Rusty: If I were to apply for my Social Security retirement (I’m 68 on August 1, 2021), when could I realistically expect to receive my first check? Signed: Ready to Claim Dear Ready: Social Security suggests applying for benefits…
Ask Rusty – My Social Security Income Hurts When I File My Taxes
Dear Rusty: I am getting hammered with taxes on my Social Security (SS). I am retired and draw a meager work pension and SS benefits. When my wife and I filed our joint tax return we owed the IRS a…
Ask Rusty – I’m Terminal; What Are My Wife’s Options as My Survivor?
Dear Rusty: I’m 60 and my wife is 62. I have terminal Stage IV prostate cancer, but my wife is in pretty good health. If I draw at 62 would that affect my wife’s survivor benefits? When should she start…
Ask Rusty – Disability vs. Survivor Benefit
Dear Rusty: I have a question regarding Social Security. I’m 54 and applying for disability. I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 19. My son, 16 years old, receives survivor benefits from my deceased ex-husband. We were married for 20…
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Family Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I was born in 1956 and my wife in 1961. I’ve got 45 years of SSA earnings, and I will have income in 2021. We have 4 minor children, the youngest born in 2012. When is the best…
Ask Rusty –Should I Claim Social Security at 62, or Wait Longer?
Dear Rusty: I turn 62 next year, and I am getting different answers to my questions so I hope you can help me. The amount I would collect is different at 67 and 72. If I start to collect Social…