Q & A
Ask Rusty – Increasing your Social Security Benefit Amount
Dear Rusty: I turned 67 in September 2018. My benefit estimate is $1478 a month if I claim benefits now. I work and will continue working as long as I can. My 35-year earnings period includes about ten years of…
Ask Rusty – No Special “extra dollars” for Veteran’s Monthly Benefit
Dear Rusty: I am within a few weeks of applying for SS. My 70th Birthday is in April and I have stayed in my job for the maximum benefit from SS. I am also a veteran and so am taking…
Ask Rusty – Maximizing Social Security Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am currently 68 and am waiting to take maximum benefits at age 70. I have been retired for 3 and a half years. My wife turned 62 in February of this year. She stopped working around 1994.…
Ask Rusty – Widower Seeking Answers About Social Security
Dear Rusty: I have two questions. My wife passed away in May of 2015, and I never received any of her benefits. Should I have? Also, I am now 62, turning 63 next month. I am still working and probably…
Ask Rusty – Why should a Veteran Pay for Medicare?
Dear Rusty: I am a Veteran and all my Medical needs are covered by the VA. Why should I be paying for Medicare out of my monthly SS check? Signed: Inquiring Veteran Dear Inquiring Veteran: Well, it depends upon how…
Ask Rusty – Spousal Benefits and Enrolling in Medicare
Dear Rusty: I will be 65 In March. Husband will be 61 In August. If I started collecting Social Security now would I only be able to collect on myself? My husband plans on collecting at 62. Will I be…
Ask Rusty – Using Health Savings Account (HSA) Funds while on Medicare
Dear Rusty: My understanding is that once I’m on Medicare the HSA cannot be used. I have prescriptions that cost more with the Medicare Insurance than paying cash, so why can’t I use the HSA to pay for these types…
Ask Rusty – Social Security for couple with large age difference
Dear Rusty: My wife is 63 and I’m 55. I’ve been the breadwinner for 37 years and draw almost $2000 per month tax free from VA disability for life. I’m also still working until I’m 60 or 62, not sure…
Ask Rusty – Confused about enrolling in Medicare and Social Security
Dear Rusty: I will be 64 years old in 2019 and thinking about Social Security. My full retirement age is 66 and 2 months, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to get the most out of my…
Ask Rusty – Will my benefit be the same as my current SS statement says?
Dear Rusty: I recently retired after over 40 years in the construction industry. I’m 60 years young and my wife and I recently moved south to enjoy retirement in a new and milder environment. At this point, we do not…