Social Security
What is your Social Security full retirement age
This year marks the start of the Silver Tsunami, with almost 12,000 people turning 65 daily in the next few years. However, many people are surprised that they have not reached their full retirement age to be able to collect…
Estimating the COLA for 2025
With the release of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for January, the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) estimates have begun. The Senior Citizens League estimates it at 1.75 percent, but the Congressional Budget…
What to do if will not receive Social Security
Almost 65 million Americans received Social Security benefits in January 2024. However, about 3.5 percent of the total population aged 60 or older never receive Social Security benefits. If you are one of those individuals, there are ways to maintain…
Will you depend on Social Security
According to a recent Gallup poll on Social Security, for individuals still working, only 34 percent stated their Social Security benefits would be the major source of income in their retirement; however, almost 60 percent of the current retirees said…
The importance of starting young
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self about retirement? A recent Nationwide survey found almost two-thirds of respondents said they would start saving for retirement sooner rather than later. Why? Many people…
Retirement planning should be a comprehensive process
You are not alone if you are worried about money, especially during retirement. According to the American Psychological Association, 72 percent of adults reported feeling stressed about money. So, to tackle the stress of financial worries in retirement, all the…
What waiting to 70 to begin your benefits means
We all have seen the articles that say the average benefit at 70 as of 2022 was $1,938.49 per month. However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. The group of 70-year-olds includes people who claimed Social Security at different age…
One easy move to increase your Social Security benefit
One question the majority of people ask financial experts is: How can I maximize my Social Security benefit? There are ways that do not require you to hold a high-paying job or work two or three jobs; there is an…
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Social Security at 68, or Wait Until I’m 70?
Dear Rusty: I have a question regarding my SS benefits. I turned 68 this month and work part time. I earned $28,000 last year but will probably gross $36,000 to $38,000 this year. My husband collects his SS, and he…
Ten retirement mistakes to avoid
The silver tsunami has begun. According to the U.S. Census Bureau figures, more than 12,000 people will start turning 65 each day, hitting an estimated total of more than 4 million for 2024. The soon-to-be 4 million retirees are making…