Social Security
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…
Will you lose all your COLA increase to Medicare?
On October 24th, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment. This announcement means that, on average, the monthly Social Security benefit will increase by $56. However, many people are awaiting the announcement of the Medicare Part B…
Should we change how COLA is calculate?
Social Security recipients will receive their 2.8 percent COLA increase in January; however, with the annual inflation rate of 3 percent, seniors are struggling to keep up with rising prices. Not only are seniors dissatisfied with the meager amount, but…
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…
Taking the necessary steps to avoid mistakes in retirement
Your retirement is almost here. Your plans to play more golf, visit the grandchildren, and just enjoy your life now that you are no longer accountable to a time clock. But before you start to celebrate, you need to avoid…
Western nations are addressing similar public pension challenges
The good news is that more than 74 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment starting in January 2026. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has just released the annual inflation rate at 3 percent, further…
Three main factors affect the size of your benefit amount
The Social Security Administration released the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on October 24th, and it also released the maximum Social Security benefit for 2026. The 2026 maximum benefit amount will be $5,251 per month; however, reaching the maximum amount can…
Do this by Nov. 19
On October 24th, the Social Security Administration announced the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) amount for 2026. Social Security recipients will see the 2.8 percent increase in their January check. However, if you cannot wait until that day, you need to…
Ask Rusty – Consider the “Wearing Out” Factor While Deciding When to Claim Social Security
Dear Rusty: Enjoyed your recent article on claiming SS benefits. I feel, however, any decision making should also include what I call the “wearing out” factor. Yes, financial need, health, and longevity are definite criteria for a decision. The inevitable…