Ask Rusty
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 to…
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…
Ask Rusty – Help! Social Security Reduced my Monthly Payment
Dear Rusty: My last Social Security payment decreased by about $400, so I went to my online SS account and found a November 2025 letter explaining that my 2024 tax return showed a greatly enlarged AGI (Adjusted Gross Income). Thus, SSA decided to…
Ask Rusty – Is There Income Tax on Social Security Benefits?
Dear Rusty: The Trump Administration is saying that now there will be no taxes on Social Security benefits. Since we’re getting ready to start our 2025 income tax return, can you explain how this all works? Signed: Confused Taxpayer Dear…
Ask Rusty – My Friend is 65; shouldn’t she be exempt from Medicare payroll taxes?
Dear Rusty: My girlfriend is 65 and she just enrolled in Medicare. She is still working full time as a nurse, but they are still deducting Medicare taxes from her paycheck. I thought as soon as you started Medicare, that…
Ask Rusty – Why is my Social Security Retirement Benefit So Small?
Dear Rusty: Can you help me understand? I have paid into Social Security since I started working in 1978. I did have a lot of tax deductions, but I don’t understand why I only receive $350 a month from Social…
Ask Rusty – About Claiming Social Security Early and Investing It
Dear Rusty: I am a 63-year-old single lady, and I have questions regarding Social Security “early retirement,” though I will still be working full time. I know there is a maximum allowable income limit and, if I exceed that, I…
Ask Rusty – I’m on SS Disability; Should I Switch to Regular Social Security?
Dear Rusty: Should I take my Social Security now at age 62, or wait till I am 65? I’ve been collecting SS disability due to health issues and was curious if I should wait or claim my regular Social Security…
Ask Rusty – About Tax Filing Status and Medicare
Dear Rusty: I’m trying to figure out if I should change my IRS filing status to “Married – Filing Jointly” prior to getting reviewed for my Medicare Part B and Part D. My current IRS status is “Married – Filing…
Ask Rusty – Did the Obama-era Social Security Tax Cuts Hurt the Program?
Dear Rusty: I will be retiring early next year but my question to you is: During the Obama administration, payroll taxes that employees pay were cut in half from 6.2% to 3.1%, while the employer’s part stayed the same at…