claiming benefits
Social Security’s “Effective” Date Conundrum Explained
For those of you just beginning to look seriously at claiming Social Security benefits, you’ll quickly realize that there are not only many rules associated with this step, but certain idiosyncrasies as well. One of the more esoteric of these…
The Importance of Verifying the Data SSA Has in Your Record
The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains records of our work history, along with the earnings history and a record of the taxes you’ve paid for both retirement benefits and Medicare coverage. Using this information, SSA develops benefit data for you…
The “When to File” Question Again, Along with an Analysis of the Ramificatons
For most folks approaching Social Security eligibility, it’s probably a vexing question…do I file as soon as I can, wait until my full retirement age, or hold off until age 70? The standard answer provided by those close to the…
Claiming Early? You’re Not Alone…Here’s Why.
From a financial planning standpoint, conventional wisdom espoused by retirement advisors suggests waiting at least until full retirement age, and preferably until age 70, to claim Social Security benefits. There is nothing wrong with that advice, of course, but with…
Ask Rusty – When Should We Claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I am almost 63 and my husband will be 61 soon, and we are looking to see when our best time would be to start our Social Security benefits. We would like to know if one of us…
Thoughts on the “When to File” Question
Leaving the workforce before one’s Social Security full retirement age appears to be the most prevalent reason for claiming Social Security benefits early, according to a study reported in the Journal of Financial Planning. In an article posted by Marlene Satter on…