retirement
Average Spousal Benefit in 2026
Approximately 1.9 million spouses and ex-spouses currently receive a spousal benefit, according to an article written by David Mania. A spouse receives a spousal benefit when 50% of their higher-earning spouse’s full retirement age (FRA) benefits are more than 100%…
Should You Delay Taking Social Security Until Age 70?
Delaying your Social Security benefits until age 70 increases your monthly payment by 76% compared to claiming at 62. However, consider factors like your health, life expectancy, and financial needs. The average break-even point is age 81 or 82. If…
Earning The Maximum Social Security Benefit
Have you ever wondered how to earn the maximum Social Security benefit? In 2025, the maximum benefit amount is $4,018. If you delay taking your benefits until age 70, it is $5,108. For those who choose to file at 62,…
Are you earning enough work credits to qualify for Social Security?
You must work for at least 10 years to earn the 40 credits you need to qualify for Social Security benefits. Each year, the amount you need to earn tends to increase. It is driven by the national average wage…
Is it worth delaying your Social Security benefits until age 70?
Age 70 is when you receive your maximum Social Security benefit. You become eligible as early as 62, but did you realize your Social Security benefit grows 76% between ages 62 and 70? If you are in good health, still…
Two biggest regrets of retirees
“Small amounts saved daily add up to huge investments in the end.” – Margo Vader The two biggest regrets of the majority of retirees are not saving enough and not starting to save early, according to the latest study by…
The maximum benefit in 2026
Along with the annual cost-of-living adjustment announcement, the Social Security Administration also released other program changes for 2026. Among the much-anticipated COLA amounts were the annual taxable earnings, the annual earnings test, and the maximum possible Social Security benefit for…
There’s a big change coming to Social Security work credits
You must earn a certain number of credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits. You can earn up to a maximum of 4 credits per year. The amount needed to earn 1 credit automatically increases each year when average…
Why only 8% wait until age 70
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age…
The true cost of health care
Let’s face it, Medicare will not cover all your health care needs in retirement. Plus, there is a cost associated with it. Suze Orman, financial expert, says many Americans underestimate this critical cost in retirement. What is it? Moneywise outlines…