retirement
Imagine No Social Security
In 1971, the iconic songwriter John Lennon penned the lyrics to his famous song “Imagine,” asking us to picture a world in total peace and harmony. Although it was a call to imagine what life would be like in a…
Can You Live on Social Security Alone?
Social Security benefits were meant to bolster existing retirement savings and pensions — not to make up for a non-existent nest egg.” And that mantra is one that we frequently emphasize here at the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service.…
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…
Ask Rusty – I’m Divorced; Can I Get Benefits from my Ex-husband?
Dear Rusty: After 16 years of marriage, we were divorced. I have never remarried, but he has. When he starts collecting Social Security (he is 64 now and still working), is it true that I can claim ex-spousal benefits or does…
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…
Some Retirement Advisors are Wrong!
Considered somewhat of a “guru” on retirement matters, Dave Ramsey is a frequently featured guest on financial programs, and he offers a regular financial podcast and “blog” offering retirement advice to Americans. Though he’s often consulted about retirement options, it…
Congressional Hearing Focuses on Retirement Security
Earlier this week, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (a unit of the House Education and the Workforce Committee) held a hearing focused on maximizing the retirement security of American workers. Portions of the testimony focused on the matter of…
Assessing the Implications of the Full Retirement Age (Hint: It’s not as simple as you think)
Reaching full retirement age (FRA)–the age at which a claimant can receive the full amount of their earned Social Security retirement benefit–was historically thought to be age 65. And it was…at least until the Social Amendments of 1983. A series…
Beefing Up Your Social Security Monthly Benefit Payment
Many folks are aware that Social Security is part of one’s overall retirement financial planning, accounting for about 40% of one’s pre-retirement income. Given its place in overall retirement finances, some steps can be taken to ensure that Social Security…
The COLA Adequacy Argument and Retirement
The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to Social Security benefits is intended to maintain at least some degree of financial stability for seniors in their retirement years. Good intention, but does it succeed? Many sources suggest it does not meet…