Full retirement age
When are most people claiming Social Security?
When do most Americans claim their Social Security benefit? That’s an interesting question, but the answer should form the basis of when you personally claim your SS benefits, because everyone’s situation is different. Although it might be interesting to know…
Social Security 2026: What you need to know!
Since 1940, Social Security has been paying monthly benefits to American seniors and their dependents – that’s almost 9 decades! That is a pretty good record, and the program regularly changes to keep up with the times. In fact, several…
Another Call to Action for Congress
“Key decisions can’t be put off any longer.” That’s the rallying cry in a post by The Motley Fool’s Maurie Backman today on Yahoo!Finance. A valiant message, for sure, but as noted in Tuesday’s headline post on this website, perhaps…
A Common Sense Approach to Social Security Reform?
In a well-written, somewhat light-hearted, but nonetheless timely and realistic discussion, Stanford Magazine writer Summer Moore Batte summarizes the thinking of two scholars on how to address Social Security’s rapidly approaching financial cliff. In her news.stanford.edu post, Ms. Batte captures…
Ask Rusty – Why Didn’t My Friend’s Wife Get All Her SS Immediately?
Dear Rusty: A friend told me about what he believes is a strange thing in the Social Security system. His wife reached her full retirement age (FRA) of 66 several years ago. She delayed filing for Social Security past her…
The Social Security Retirement Earnings Test–2026 Edition
Today’s headline post on this site discusses the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test, specifically noting the positive implications of its elimination. For those who’ve claimed their benefits before their full retirement age and are wondering exactly what this test means…
Want to earn the maximum Social Security benefit? Here’s what to do.
The maximum monthly benefit available from Social Security in 2026 will be $5,251, or $63,012 annually. That’s an attractive target, of course, but very, very few workers will reach that level of payment. It’s a lofty goal, of course, but…
This Social Security change is a big milestone for retirees
The year 2026 is a milestone for Social Security. No, I’m not talking about bipartisan legislation addressing the insolvency issue, although that would be nice. I’m referring to another bipartisan piece of legislation, H.R. 1900, the Social Security Amendments of…
Know your full retirement age
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62; however, if you start receiving benefits early, your benefits will be permanently reduced. If you wait until you reach your full retirement age, you will receive…
How Does your Social Security payment compare?
Ever wonder how your monthly Social Security benefit compares to others? For some of us that may make us feel fortunate, and for other not so much so. Fact is, the monthly benefits each of us receive from SS may…