AMAC Foundation
Social Security Basics…Some Things You Need to Know!
On the surface, Social Security seems somewhat simple…you work and pay FICA tax, then you draw benefits when you retire. But as anyone who has navigated these waters can probably tell you, it’s not that clear-cut. In fact, there are…
The On-going Question: Should I Delay Claiming Social Security?
This is without one of the most frequent questions we receive here at the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service, with many folks confused with the impact that various benefits starting points can have on monthly benefit cash flow. For…
Social Security Solvency–Shining a Positive Light on the Crisis
Although acknowledging that Social Security faces long-term financial problems, including the potential for a substantial benefit cut about a decade from now, officials at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities take the high road in an article posted on…
The Social Security Solvency Dilemma – Part 1
The most recent edition of the Social Security Trustees Report moved the projected date for full depletion of the program’s trust fund reserves forward a year. While that’s not good news, certainly, it does have the effect of shining a…
Social Security’s Lump-Sum Payment Provision
Marcia Mantell, RMA®, NSSA®, in a post on thestreet.com, provides a bit of history associated with Social Security’s often misunderstood lump-sum benefit provision. Her post explains the 6-month lump-sum payout available to claimants electing to start their benefits at (or…
Ask Rusty – Cutting Social Security Will Make Me Lose My Home!
Dear Rusty: Politicians are talking about taking money from Social Security, but I need that money to support my daughter and pay for my home. I’m a widow, and my husband passed in 2017. I’ll lose my home if my…
The “Retire Early” Question, Again. Some Reasons on the pro side
The general question of when to file for Social Security benefits is, without question, one queries fielded most frequently by our staff here at the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service Staff. And our responses always start with the frustrating…
Considering Filing at 62? Don’t Rush, says this analyst
One of the most frequent questions we receive at the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service from folks approaching age 62 is simply, “Should I begin drawing benefits?” We respond with a discussion on the implications of early filing versus…
Another Vote Against Claiming Benefits at Age 62
Statistically speaking, you’re a rare case if you wait until age 70 to begin drawing your Social Security benefit. As many (most?) financial advisors suggest, you’re also a savvy planner, since your monthly benefit will be maximized–fully 24% greater than…
Social Security Filing Strategies…The Importance of Fully Understanding the Rules
Let’s start with an understatement…Social Security is complex. The issues of when to file, and how to file, for benefits are something we deal with repeatedly in the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service. Many folks come to us with…