Q & A
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…
Ask Rusty – About “Registering” for Social Security & Medicare
Foreword: This is the 200th “Ask Rusty” article we’ve published. We started submitting them in the fall of 2016, and here we are 4 years later, still plugging away. Dear Rusty: I have a big 65th birthday coming up mid-March and would…
Ask Rusty – Younger Wife is the Higher Earner
Dear Rusty: I’ve seen examples of how to maximize Social Security, but I’ve never seen an analysis for our situation. I’m 61 and my wife is 57, but she has been the primary breadwinner, while I just barely made eligibility.…
Ask Rusty – Will My Social Security Benefits Ever Stop?
Dear Rusty: Has someone who paid into Social Security for most of their life ever lost their benefits later in life? For example, if they start collecting benefits at age 62 and live to be 85 or longer, could they…
Ask Rusty – Why Isn’t My Wife Getting Half of My Benefit?
Dear Rusty: My wife isn’t getting half of my Social Security benefit amount. Shouldn’t she be? Signed: Feeling Cheated Dear Feeling Cheated: A spouse does not always receive 50% of the husband’s Social Security benefit, because it depends on the…
Ask Rusty – I Need Guidance on Social Security and Medicare
Dear Rusty: I am turning 67 in October and as of today am still employed full time. I really do not plan on retiring unless I am forced to. But how do I arrange my Social Security and Medical care…
Ask Rusty – About the Mystery of Spousal Benefits
Dear Rusty: From what I’ve researched, the formula for spousal benefits seems very complicated. I read somewhere that it was a good idea to start the lower earning spouse’s benefit at age 62 and have the higher earning spouse file…