Full retirement age
Working More Can Mean a Higher SS Benefit
As most know, it is possible to claim Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. But did you know that doing so will mean your monthly benefit will be as much as 30% less? When to claim SS…
The Social Security Full Retirement Age – U.S., compared to other countries.
In this time of uncertainty about the financial stability of our U.S. Social Security program – especially its ability to meet its long term financial obligations – included in the various reform proposals is the concept of raising the U.S.…
“Retirement Readiness” (per Suze Orman)
Suze Orman is a quite well known financial advisor regularly featured on many TV stations, and she’s been doing that for a lot of years. Thus, she is well respected and influential when it comes to planning for your financial…
A Retirement Nightmare – Social Security’s Annual Earnings Test
A Retirement Scenario Picture this: You’ve worked all your life in your chosen profession and are getting tired of the rat race. You’re 62 years old and comforted to know that you are now eligible to collect Social Security. You…
Ask Rusty – I’m Still Working; Why Didn’t my Benefit Amount Increase?
Dear Rusty: I have been working somewhat consistently since commencing my Social Security benefit income. I’ve been collecting since my full benefit age of 66, approximately. I’m now 81, and customarily, in about October of each calendar year, Social Security…
The “Best Age” to claim Social Security
Spoiler alert: There is no “one best age” to claim your Social Security benefits! Fact is, everyone’s personal circumstances are unique, so what is best for me won’t be the best for you also. Multiple surveys have analyzed when people…
Social Security: Financial Reality and Politics
Those who focus on Social Security’s looming 2033 financial crisis know that there is a solution to the problem. The data are fairly easy to understand – Social Security must increase revenue while also reducing costs – to avoid an…
Crunching the numbers of early versus delaying Social Security
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. If you start receiving benefits early, your benefits will be permanently reduced. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you start at your full…
Social Security’s maximum benefit is unachievable by most – but don’t despair
Social Security’s so-called “maximum benefit amount” ($5,251 per month for 2026) is one which is quite difficult (some would say, impossible) to achieve. Indeed, it is likely unattainable for most beneficiaries, because it requires a nexus of several factors. Nevertheless,…
Caution to those collecting early benefits: The Social Security “Earnings Test” applies
Probably the biggest cause of seniors receiving an “Overpayment Notice” from the Social Security Administration is a rule called the “Annual Earnings Test,” or “AET.” The AET affects those who claim Social Security prior to their full retirement age (FRA)…