savings
No Surprise! Most unhappy with their Social Security payments
Although not exactly a blockbuster finding, a recent survey found that by far the majority of seniors are dissatisfied with their monthly Social Security payment. That, of course, is the result of runaway inflation in the past several years, which…
Don’t Obsess over Social Security!
At least one pundit who regularly watches what’s happening with the nation’s most important retirement program isn’t personally obsessing over Social Security’s looming financial issue. The issue at hand is a fact which has been reported by the Trustees of…
Social Security Customer Service: Improving, but slowly.
Since being appointed as the new Commissioner of Social Security, Frank Bisignano is spearheading an intense drive to improve the agency’s customer service. In fact, according to the SSA, service levels have, indeed, improved year-to-year in spite of 70% higher…
Should “means testing” exist for Social Security and Medicare?
In this somewhat unconventional opinion piece, the author opines that both the Social Security and Medicare programs are suffering financial difficulties, largely because many who receive benefits do not actually need them. The author, himself a fairly affluent businessman, contends…
Retiring Soon? Suggestions on where to retire.
Retirement is, indeed, a complex decision. Of course, the size of your retirement nest egg is a critical factor, and how much regular monthly income you will need will depend a lot on where you choose to retire. Many will…
The Role of Life Expectancy in Retirement Decisions
When contemplating your retirement it is crucial to focus on an important question – “When should I take my Social Security benefits?” While there are a number of factors to consider when making that decision, don’t overlook the role of…
What Would a 23% Cut in Social Security Mean?
The Trustees of Social Security have warned Congress: There will be a 23% cut in everyone’s Social Security benefit in 2033, unless Congress reforms the program. Hopefully, Congress will act soon to prevent cuts from happening – but what if…
Demystifying the Federal Payroll Tax
Nearly all workers pay it, but very few understand it – the Federal Payroll Tax. With few exceptions,[1] everyone who works and earns pays the federal payroll tax from their earnings – that’s about 175 million American workers. The tax, first…
Your Social Security benefit won’t be cut in 2026
If you are worried about your Social Security payment going down in 2026, you likely should not be. Your monthly benefit is based upon your lifetime earnings while working and, except for cost-of-living adjustments (increases), your monthly payment will not…
About the Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Although you may have seen early predictions, it is too soon to know for sure how next year’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will increase your monthly Social Security payment. That news will actually be revealed in mid-October, after completion…