Ask Rusty
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…
Ask Rusty – Consider the “Wearing Out” Factor While Deciding When to Claim Social Security
Dear Rusty: Enjoyed your recent article on claiming SS benefits. I feel, however, any decision making should also include what I call the “wearing out” factor. Yes, financial need, health, and longevity are definite criteria for a decision. The inevitable…
Ask Rusty – How Do I Navigate the Social Security Maze?
Dear Rusty: I am a woman, turning 65 this October (2025). It seems that deciding when to claim Social Security is complicated. I would like more information to navigate through this maze. Thank you. Signed: Ready to Claim Dear Ready:…
Ask Rusty – Should I Take Social Security Now, or at age 70
Dear Rusty: I was born in April 1958, and my plan has been to take my Social Security at age 70. However, my sister-in-law says that it is smarter to take it now while I am still working. I will…
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Social Security Early Because it is Going Bankrupt?
Dear Rusty: My best friend is going to be 62 and wants to begin taking her Social Security immediately. Her reasoning not to wait is the thought that it is going to run out in 10 years, so she wants…
Ask Rusty – How Do I Apply for Social Security and Receive my Payments?
Dear Rusty: I’m ready to apply for my Social Security benefits, and I’m aware of how my benefits are calculated. What I would like to know about is how the application process actually works and how my benefits are received. …