Full retirement age
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 the “Ask Rusty”…
What do you fear more – Dying or running out of money in retirement?
According to a recent survey of retired seniors, most of us fear running out of money during retirement much more than we fear death! A somewhat stunning 67% of seniors worry more about their financial security than any other issue…
Ask Rusty – Can my spouse file at 63 and then get half of mine when I later claim?
Dear Rusty: My spouse is 63 and I am 65. I am planning to take my Social Security benefits at age 70. Can my lower earning spouse take his own benefits now, and then – when I take my full…
Do you have a “decumulation” plan?
While many future retirees have an accumulation plan for growing their retirement nest egg, far too many don’t have a “decumulation” plan – a plan for how to use that accumulated nest egg after reaching your golden years. This article…
Social Security and the National Debt
Does Social Security contribute to the national debt? According to this article published by the CATO Institute, yes it does. This once again becomes a discussion topic on the heels of the recently published annual report by the Trustees of…
A Ray of Hope for SS Reform???
Just recently, the so-called “Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2026 (H.R. 9187)” was introduced on the House Floor by Republican Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island/Queens). Coincidentally, House Speaker Mike Johnson yesterday called on his…
Should I Claim Social Security at 62?
Sounds like a simple question, right? Well, trust me, there is not really a simple answer to whether you should claim SS at age 62. Of course, age 62 is when you first become eligible for SS retirement benefits, but…
Four Options for Social Security Reform
There are, of course, a plethora of options for reforming Social Security floating around Washington, D.C. these days, as the urgency of a solution was highlighted once again in the recent release of the SS Trustees’ annual report to Congress.…
Will Congress finally get serious about fixing Social Security?
If you read these pages regularly, you already know that the nation’s premier retirement benefit program – Social Security – is facing some serious financial challenges very soon (e.g., in 2032). We’ve published numerous articles at this site both describing…
Ask Rusty – Why Don’t They Just Create Individual Social Security Accounts?
Dear Rusty: Regarding Social Security’s financial issues, three people contributing to Social Security for every one beneficiary sounds to me like a surplus. If they had given workers their own accounts, similar to a 401k, where they could manage their…