Ask Rusty
Ask Rusty – Why change Social Security now? It’s a working “Ponzi Scam”
Dear Rusty: Maybe everybody has the same reaction that I do to Social Security insolvency. I do not understand a system that has been basically run like a Ponzi Scam since its Inception; why have you decided (in 2026-2027) that…
Ask Rusty – We Were Bitten by Medicare’s IRMAA this year; What Should I Do?
Dear Rusty: My wife and I file our taxes jointly. In 2024, I took an IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) which was significantly more than I was required to take. My Medicare premiums were not affected in 2025, and our…
Ask Rusty – Is the Medicare Part B Premium a Percentage of our Social Security Amount?
Dear Rusty: I have a simple question: Is the amount we pay for Medicare Part B premium a percent of our Social Security amount we receive? Signed: Curious Dear Curious: Your Medicare Part B premium is not based on a…
Ask Rusty – I Was Cheated; I Delayed Claiming SS but Didn’t Get My Full Benefits
Dear Rusty: I’m 70 now and took my Social Security benefits at age 68. Social Security would not allow me to take all my increased percentage earned by waiting until age 68 to claim. My local Social Security office said I would get…
A Social Security Journey with “Ask Rusty” and the AMAC Foundation
The AMAC Foundation [1] is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and education of American seniors. “ Ask Rusty ” is the Foundation’s popular and nationally syndicated Social Security advice column. Here’s more about the AMAC Foundation’s journey and…
Ask Rusty – Why Don’t We Have a minimum Social Security Benefit?
Dear Rusty: I think we should have a Social Security baseline of $2,500 for each person. When I retire, my Social Security benefit will not be enough to survive. There are many of us who worked low paying jobs…
Ask Rusty – About Social Security’s “First Year Rule” and Withdrawing from SS
Dear Rusty: I am 63 years old, and about to apply for my Social Security benefits. I am self-employed but only working part time. I know about Social Security’s annual earnings limit but recently I learned I must also…
Dear Rusty – I Want to do Everything Right When I Claim Social Security
Dear Rusty: I will be 62 in two years. I plan on signing up for SS at age 62, but I have heard there are details that are important when signing up. When it comes time, I want to make…
Ask Rusty - Must I Set Up a Social Security Account to Enroll in Medicare?
Dear Rusty: I turn 65 this November 2026. Someone told me I need to set up a Social Security account at least 3 months ahead of time before applying for Medicare for the first time. I do not intend…
Ask Rusty – I’ll Be 65 Soon and am Working. Must I enroll in Medicare?
Dear Rusty: I will be 65 in October and I am working full-time. My goal is to work until age 67, which is my full retirement age, or until age 70. I heard I have to apply for Medicare Part…