retirement
When your benefits are really just bonus money
You can begin your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, if you start receiving benefits early, they are permanently reduced. What if you are not reliant on Social Security to pay for basic retirement expenses, and…
Social Security changes coming in April
Well, 2025 is proving to be a strange and stressful year for the Social Security Administration. Millions of Americans will see their Social Security checks, and some will receive one for the first time, an increase shortly due to the…
Ask Rusty – When is the best time for me to claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I will be 66 ½ in June and would like to discuss when would be the best time for me to start taking my social security benefits. I am still employed full time and don’t want to be…
Take steps to avoid a surprise tax bill
“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin It is easier to pay your taxes while working; taxes are withheld from each paycheck. However, for retirees, you will pay federal income taxes on your benefits if your combined…
Retired? Need to increase your income?
It’s not uncommon for people to retire and then later regret it. There are plenty of things you can do during retirement that will keep you busy; you can do it on your schedule and increase your income at the…
Get the most out of your Social Security benefits.
You need to look at your Social Security benefit before it’s time to retire. Your benefit amount is based on your highest 35 years of earnings, so you want to try and work at least 35 years. The more you…
About Announced Social Security Changes to Reduce Fraud
There have been many articles published about a recent announcement by the Social Security Administration requiring certain people to provide in-person proof of their identity. Many of the public media accounts have been misleading or confusing, sometimes written with a…
Planning for beginning your Social Security benefits
When you are ready to start your Social Security benefits you have to plan on a month without a payment. Social Security pays one month behind. For example, if you start your benefits in June, you won’t receive your first…
Expanding retirement plan coverage
With only 50 percent of employees covered by a retirement plan, closing the retirement gap is a work in progress. Due to the different kinds of workers, access to plans and the ability to save is a challenge, especially for…
Healthcare costs in retirement
The cost of healthcare can be challenging at any age; however, in retirement, potential healthcare needs and out-of-pocket costs could narrow your options when it comes time to pay the bills. The Jackson National Life Insurance company released a new…