Social Security
Here we go again…Government shutdown on the horizon. What about Social Security?
The March 1 deadline for funding legislation would mean a partial shutdown, as explained in a post on the gibsondunn.com website. Following the “laddered” continuing resolution enacted in January, the partial shutdown would affect a limited number of agencies and,…
Approaching Social Security and still confused? You’re not alone!
A recent online quiz offered by MassMutual produced yet another dismal view of how much–or how little–folks aging into Social Security eligibility understand about the basics of this massive program. To be fair, it is not only massive and it…
Exploring a Myth: Social Security’s COLA is Guaranteed
Let’s start with some background…each year’s cost of living adjustment (COLA) results from comparing the third quarter average Consumer Price Index each year to the same average from the preceding year. The result of dividing the current year’s average by…
Understanding Spousal Benefits…And Why They May Not Exist for You.
For married couples looking ahead to retirement finances, the issue of spousal benefits can become a major factor in the planning process. For this reason alone, it’s good to have a clear understanding of how the calculations work and what…
Social Security Insolvency–What If It Actually Happens?
Over the past few years (actually for decades, now), the Social Security trustees have been sounding the alarm on insolvency. Back in 1983, Congress adopted a slate of amendments intended to sustain the program through the mid- 2050’s, although economic…
How Does the U.S. Compare Globally on Retirement Ages?
The standard U.S. full retirement age (FRA), as most people know, was 65 until the steps were taken in 1983 to deal with a funding crisis. The FRA was changed then to a phasing-in schedule for those born in 1938…
Eliminating Tax-preferred Retirement Savings–A Way to Address Insolvency?
A study published recently by The Center for Retirement Research has called into question the possibility of eliminating “retirement saving tax preferences on employer-sponsored plans” and diverting the increased income tax revenue directly into Social Security to help address the…
Ask Rusty – Why Must I Pay Into Social Security when I’m Collecting Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I am collecting full Social Security benefits at age 72 and also working full time. Why is the Federal Government still taking money from my paycheck? I have written to Social Security experts on this issue, and they…
Re-thinking Your Initial Claiming Decision–Two Available Options
Claiming Social Security benefits before full retirement age remains statistically more popular and, even more significant, very few new claimants wait to age 70 to obtain maximum monthly payouts. If you are in either of these two categories, it’s important…
Working After Filing for Benefits–Some Important Things to Know
Based on the many workforce reports continually surfacing, it’s no surprise that the number of Americans rejoining–or staying in–the labor force after drawing their earned Social Security benefits is increasing. In fact, as noted in a Kiplinger.com post by David…