retirement
Updated forecast moves depletion date up a year
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported in February that now Social Security’s Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund—the primary fund that pays benefits to retired workers, their families, and some survivors of deceased workers—will be exhausted in 2032. It should…
What that earnings cap means for the Social Security trust fund
The Social Security tax rate is 6.2 percent, which is withheld from your paycheck; however, it applies only to the first $184,500 of your annual earnings for 2026. If you are self-employed, the Social Security portion of your self-employment tax…
Pictures may be the best way to explain retirement planning
When we hear experts saying, “Americans are not saving enough for retirement,” some people feel overwhelmed by the message. They feel it’s too complicated for them and do not start planning or are not fully invested in retirement planning, but…
Saving “just a little more” before leaving work permanently.
To retire comfortably, many Americans believe they need over $1 million in savings. What if you had $2 million? Would you retire immediately, or is the fear of running out of money holding you back? Vishesh Raisinghani, writing for Yahoo!…
The tax savings now could lead to greater costs later
In the 2025 Social Security Trustees report, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund (Social Security) will be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits until 2033; however, according to a projection from the Congressional Budget Office…
Blind spots for new retirees to avoid
So, you pull the trigger and announce your retirement; congratulations! Before you begin this new phase of your life, it’s essential to be aware of some potential problems, or what I would call blind spots, for new retirees to avoid.…
It’s possible to get a $124,000 from Social Security
The estimated average Social Security benefit for a married couple in 2026 is about $3,208 per month, or approximately $38,500 annually. Individual benefit amounts can vary based on several factors. For example, Matt Frankel, CFP, writing for The Motley Fool,…
Is 62 the best age to claim Social Security?
You may be eligible to collect Social Security as early as 62; however, your benefit will be permanently reduced. But waiting until age 70 yields greater benefits for most people. Even with the promise of more money, why do only…
A Perspective on Taxation of Social Security
“How can I avoid having my Social Security benefits taxed?” That is a question we are regularly asked here at the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service. And the unfortunate answer for many who ask is that “you cannot!” As the old…
More about Social Security’s financial future
Unless you pay little or no attention to the news these days, you are already aware that Social Security is facing a financial issue in only about 6 years (2033). We’ve chronicled that fact fairly often at this website. Continuing…