retirement
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…
The “Retirement Readiness” dilemma: Some signs to watch for.
The decision to step away from a lifetime career, or even from a more recent job change, is a significant milestone—no question about that. There are many competing thoughts that make this decision anything but easy. So, if you’re at…
Social Security’s realities can be an eye-opener for some.
“Unfortunately, although many Boomers will rely on Social Security to help them cover essential (retirement) costs, many members of this age group simply don’t know the truth about this benefit program or what it can do for them.” That’s the…
Ask Rusty – My Wife Believes She Can Get a Spouse Benefit While I’m Still Alive; Can She?
Dear Rusty: A friend of my wife told her, and she believes, she could receive a Social Security benefit based on my SS benefit that I’m currently receiving while I’m still alive. I told her she could only receive spouse…
Be prepared for these surprises
The expression “the best laid plans of mice and men” could be applied to retirement planning. No matter how prepared one may feel, plans may still fall apart. Although we cannot plan for every surprise life sends our way, there…
Do you have financial grit?
Do you have financial grit? What is financial grit, and how do I acquire it? According to Daniel Gilham, the managing director of advisor strategy at Farther, “Financial grit is the consistent, relentless pursuit of financial goals. Through economic gain…
The Clergy Act H.R.227
The Clergy Act (H.R.227), if passed, would establish a two-year window for certain members of the clergy and Christian Science practitioners to revoke their exemption from Social Security and Medicare taxes on ministerial earnings. Under current law, individuals who object…
Social Security was originally intended for retirement
The original purpose of Social Security was to provide economic security for the elderly and protect them from poverty when they could no longer work; however, a recent report shows that many older people report receiving both wages and Social…
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…