seniors
2026 Healthcare Costs Going Up!
I guess it’s not terribly surprising that healthcare costs, along with most other living expenses, are going up next year. And, for healthcare, those increases are significant – from the Medicare premiums seniors must pay for their coverage, through the…
Delaying Social Security: Risk vs. Reward
Most financial advisors will suggest that waiting for a higher Social Security benefit is a wise strategy, yet very few seniors actually heed that advice. In fact, only about 10% of all SS beneficiaries maximize their Social Security benefits by…
Social Security in 2026
Each year, the Social Security Administration implements changes which can effect you, even if you are not yet collecting retirement benefits. Those changes are largely based upon national economic conditions and, for higher earners, will affect how much SS tax…
Claiming Social Security at 62: Discussing the Pros and Cons
In this interesting article by Kerry Hannon at Yahoo! Finance, the author provides an interesting perspective about the wisdom of claiming Social Security retirement benefits at the earliest possible age (62). It has been an ongoing debate with many diverse…
Ask Rusty – Why Won’t Social Security Give me my Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I called the Social Security office, as well as went with my husband when he went to collect his Social Security. Because I work full-time (at about $800/week), they said I could not file for my Social Security.…
Social Security: It’s not just for the elderly!
What do you think of when you hear the term “Social Security?” Those words might conjure up thoughts like “senior citizens,” “retirement,’ or, perhaps, “golden years.” And while those monikers are at least partially descriptive of the American Social Security…
Some potential changes to your new Medicare Advantage plan
Were you one of the over 2.6 million seniors whose Medicare Advantage plan was terminated in 2026? Or are you one of the many seniors -no exact number yet – that switched their Medicare Advantage coverage for other reasons that…
Potential Improvements to Medicare Advantage
Although 2026 has not yet started, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D proposed rule. CMS-4212 P proposes several changes to modernize the Medicare Advantage (MA) program, including significant adjustments…
Are you 65 or older? There is a new tax break for you on your 2025 Tax Return.
Your Social Security Benefits may still be taxable on your 2025 tax return. However, there is a new $6,000 additional standard deduction available to people 65 or older, which was included in the Big Beautiful Bill. You may claim this…
Social Security Changes in 2026
You will see your monthly Social Security payments increase by 2.8% due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). However, you need to factor in that the cost of Medicare Part B has increased to $202.90 for 2026, up from $185 in…