Q & A
Ask Rusty – Should I Wait Until Age 70 To Claim?
Dear Rusty: I have read your answers to the commonly asked question of “When should I claim social security benefits.” You always say one should wait as long as possible (up to age 70) to get the maximum monthly benefit.…
Ask Rusty – Do COVID-19 Bonuses Count Toward the Earnings Limit?
Dear Rusty: I’m 63 and still working, and I receive Social Security benefits. Because of COVID-19 my employer has been giving us a $300 bonus, every 3 months. This will be $1,200 for the year and it will put me…
Ask Rusty – Did My Wife Get A “Notch Baby” Benefit Increase?
Dear Rusty: I was born in May of 1930, and my wife was born in April 1931. My wife claims she received an increase in her Social Security benefit due to the “Notch Baby” provision. Is she correct about this?…
Ask Rusty – About Repaying Social Security Money Taken by Politicians
Dear Rusty: It is common knowledge that over the decades politicians have taken billions if not trillions of dollars out of the Social Security fund to finance other government programs. This information is never published or addressed and having the…
Ask Rusty – I’m 66. When Should I Claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I’d like to get advice on when I should begin taking my Social Security benefit. I turned 66 in October of 2020. Signed: Pondering Retirement Dear Pondering: Deciding when to claim your Social Security benefit is a personal…
Ask Rusty – Should a Working Widow Claim Now or Wait?
Dear Rusty: My husband died 13 years ago at age 50. I am now 64, never remarried, and work full time making a healthy income. I have never claimed any of his benefits. What are my best options? Signed: Working…
Ask Rusty – Will My U.K. Pension Affect My Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I lived and worked in the United Kingdom prior to coming to the US at age 45, which qualified me for a UK State Pension worth the equivalent of about $740 US dollars per month. Since moving to…
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Social Security at 62?
Dear Rusty: I’m looking for information about retiring and starting my Social Security very soon at age 62. I’m not sure if I want to do it because I’m not sure if I can. Can you help me figure this…
Ask Rusty – No Simple Answer to Question on When to Claim Benefits
Dear Rusty: I’m almost 59 and hope to retire from working soon. Should I take Social Security as soon as possible, or wait for the maximum amount? Signed: Planning Ahead Dear Planning Ahead: I’m afraid there’s no simple answer to…
Ask Rusty – Claim Now and Invest it, or Wait to Claim?
Dear Rusty: I’m 66 now and will be 67 in December and my question is this: Should I take Social Security now or wait? I’m still working full time and plan to work for a few more years, at least…