AMAC Foundation
Implications of a Drastic Drop in COLA
There’s been quite a bit of commentary this week regarding the 2024 expected cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security beneficiaries, much of it highlighting what statistically looks like a jump from projections publicized earlier this year. That’s good news, of course,…
That “Final” Benefit Check—A Source of Some Confusion
A Social Security beneficiary’s passing is generally a traumatic time for all concerned, and a variety of details and things that need to be addressed often create stress and concern on the part of the survivors. One of them is…
Getting Set For Retirement? Some Important Steps to Take
The decision to claim you Social Security benefits requires quite a bit of thought, as well as an understanding of the fundamental rules you’ll need to navigate. But before you begin to dig in earnestly, there are three very basic…
An Update on Spousal Benefits and Some Details You May Not Know
Social Security has myriad rules and regulations, and many times not knowing some of the key points can cause certain benefit opportunities to be overlooked. This is true in the case of spousal benefits, and particularly in the area of…
Pessimistic Thoughts about Retirement
Contrary to yesterday’s post about folks expressing optimism about their future retirement life, wouldn’t you know it—a counter to those hopeful thoughts popped up in today’s harvest of retirement news. Specifically, in a post today on CNN.com, reporter Matt Egan…
How & Where Does Social Security Fit in Your Retirement Plans?
This question resonates differently depending on one’s proximity to their 60s, and the closer one is to “pulling the plug” on retirement, the more they’re beginning to think seriously about Social Security. But no matter your age, this post by…
Social Security Could Be One of the 5 Costly Mistakes You Could Make
Retirement planning–especially the financial side of the equation–presents many potential pitfalls if you’re not careful. In a post on finance.yahoo.com, reporter Mark Henricks explains how “messing up Social Security” can, for example, lead to problems in the area of survivor…
The Importance of a “Break-Even” Calculation
As we’ve noted repeatedly on this site, the question of when to claim Social Security benefits is one of the most frequent questions received at the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service. Because of its consequences, we take great caution…
Another Perspective on the “Claiming At 62” Question
Age 62 remains the most popular age for claiming Social Security retirement benefits, and there are many pros and cons cited either in favor or disfavor of this as a filing strategy. Here at the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory…
An Assessment of Potential Social Security Solvency Solutions
As we’ve been noting for some time, the emphasis on reforming America’s Social Security program in the face of the rapidly approaching solvency crisis is beginning to draw attention in the early months of the 118th Congress. Many credible sources…