Q & A
Ask Rusty – Did the Obama-era Social Security Tax Cuts Hurt the Program?
Dear Rusty: I will be retiring early next year but my question to you is: During the Obama administration, payroll taxes that employees pay were cut in half from 6.2% to 3.1%, while the employer’s part stayed the same at…
Ask Rusty – Consider the “Wearing Out” Factor While Deciding When to Claim Social Security
Dear Rusty: Enjoyed your recent article on claiming SS benefits. I feel, however, any decision making should also include what I call the “wearing out” factor. Yes, financial need, health, and longevity are definite criteria for a decision. The inevitable…
Ask Rusty – Should I Ask for Retroactive Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I turn 70 next month, October 3, and am making an application for Social Security benefits to begin in January 2026. I want the maximum Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) and the highest permanent monthly benefit. I do not…
Ask Rusty – Do I Need to Sign Up for an Online Social Security Account?
Dear Rusty: I recently I heard the tail end of a radio program which was discussing “signing up for my Social Security account.” I am now 76 years old and have been receiving my SSA monthly amount directly into a…
Ask Rusty – How Do I Navigate the Social Security Maze?
Dear Rusty: I am a woman, turning 65 this October (2025). It seems that deciding when to claim Social Security is complicated. I would like more information to navigate through this maze. Thank you. Signed: Ready to Claim Dear Ready:…
Ask Rusty – Should I Take Social Security Now, or at age 70
Dear Rusty: I was born in April 1958, and my plan has been to take my Social Security at age 70. However, my sister-in-law says that it is smarter to take it now while I am still working. I will…
Ask Rusty – When Will My Disability Become My Regular Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I hope you can answer this question. I’m currently receiving Social Security Disability benefits, and I will be turning 65 in February 2026. I’m confused as to how Social Security Disability transitions to regular Social Security, and when.…
Ask Rusty – Should my Spouse be getting half of my Social Security amount?
Dear Rusty: I was referred to you to ask a question about Social Security benefits. I receive about $1,700 a month from Social Security while my husband receives only approximately $750 monthly. Is he entitled to file for half of…
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Social Security Early Because it is Going Bankrupt?
Dear Rusty: My best friend is going to be 62 and wants to begin taking her Social Security immediately. Her reasoning not to wait is the thought that it is going to run out in 10 years, so she wants…
Ask Rusty – I’d like to retire early, but don’t want my Social Security reduced
Dear Rusty: I will be 65 this year and my husband is 72 (he retired in 2019 at age 66). I would like to retire and enjoy some time with him before he gets too much older. I do not…