retirement age
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…
Life Expectancy, A Critical Piece of the Social Security Solvency Puzzle, Rising Again
Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released statistics indicating nearly a year of growth in Americans’ expected lifespan. Longevity, of course, is a major factor in the long-term financing of Social Security, presenting a challenge to ensure…
Social Security in 2025: Many changes, but some constants.
You’re probably well aware of some of the “regular” changes in Social Security that occur automatically with the calendar changing. Parameters like the taxable maximum, the cost-of-living adjustment, the earnings test limits, and so on are updated yearly to keep…
Ask Rusty – I’m Working after age 65; Why Aren’t I Exempt from Medicare Part B Premium?
Dear Rusty: Why, as I continue to work after age 65 and have FICA taxes taken from my check, am I – or anyone – also compelled under the threat of penalties, rate increases, etc. to immediately take Medicare Part…
Taxing-the-Wealthy Theme Highlighted Via Survey
As we’ve been suggesting for several months, legislative interest in addressing Social Security’s steadily unraveling financial picture appears to be heating up. That’s understandable, with the clock ticking louder and louder as the 2033 point of trust fund insolvency moves…
Social Security Reform: Debunking the Fear Mongering Following the RSC Proposal
Rumors and speculation about the Social Security intentions behind the Republican Study Committee’s (RSC) Fiscal Year 2025 Budget proposal–titled “Fiscal Sanity to Save America”–have blossomed in the days following its release last week. Labeling the fast-moving rhetoric as “a lot…
Yet Another Viewpoint on Delaying Retirement
It’s been all over the media in the past few days. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has gone on record with an opinion that the popular notion of retirement age being 65 is crazy. In fact, in a Marshall News Messenger post…
2024 May be the Year for You to Begin Social Security Benefits If…
The Motley Fool’s Kailey Hagen provides three separate reasons why a qualified Social Security beneficiary should take the leap and claim their earned benefits in 2024. The reasons deal with expected longevity, financial needs, and the age of the beneficiary.…
Life Expectancy and It’s Impact on the “Retirement Safety Net”
As the rhetoric heats up on Social Security, and as the leading 2024 presidential candidates debate their policy thoughts on this issue, extension of the full retirement are (FRA) for benefits is getting quite a bit of play. In fact,…
Warren Buffett–A Historical View of What Should be Done About Social Security
Social Security’s looming solvency problem is beginning to draw attention (again), now as a segment of the 2024 presidential election debates. Solutions are popping up in many corners, and they range from doing nothing to shoring up the revenue side…