Social Security
Employer Compensation Tax proposal
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget just released its analysis of the Trust Fund Solutions Initiative white paper, suggesting a new alternative by replacing the employer side of the payroll tax with a flat Employer Compensation Tax (ECT) on…
A Beginner’s Guide to Social Security
For many folks, retirement is a destination. Thoughts of someday kicking back and reflecting on a career well executed, or a history of meeting the challenges of supporting a family, or the simple satisfaction of being a part of a…
Release of the 2026 COLA on October 24th
The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment was originally scheduled for October 15th; however, due to the government shutdown continuing, it has been rescheduled for October 24th. Why the delay? Because to calculate the COLA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics must release its…
Ask Rusty – How Do I Navigate the Social Security Maze?
Dear Rusty: I am a woman, turning 65 this October (2025). It seems that deciding when to claim Social Security is complicated. I would like more information to navigate through this maze. Thank you. Signed: Ready to Claim Dear Ready:…
Medicare and a Health Savings Account
Now that you are on Medicare, or getting ready to go on Medicare, you may not be able to contribute to your Health Savings Account (HSA) any longer, but you can still use it to pay for qualifying medical expenses.…
Retirement Can Come with Unexpected Costs
Unexpected expenses catch many Americans by surprise in retirement. One of the largest of these is the cost of Medicare Part B. The current cost of Medicare Part B for 2025 is $185, but is expected to increase to $206.50…
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is Calling Staff Back In to Prepare the Annual Inflation Reports
When the shutdown started on October 1, only one person remained at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some staff are now returning to prepare the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is based on the Consumer Price…
Retirement Doesn’t Always Mean You Have to Start Your Social Security Benefits Early
If you are in a position to retire early and don’t need to start your Social Security benefits at that time, congratulations! If you find yourself in a position where your early retirement wasn’t your choice, there are options you…
Which is better? A Roth IRA or a regular IRA?
The two key differences between a Roth IRA and a regular IRA are that you pay taxes on your contributions to a Roth, and with a regular IRA, you pay taxes on your withdrawals. When you file your tax return,…
Social Security Remains Open During the Government Shutdown
Social Security remains open during a government shutdown, though some delays are possible. Dana George at The Motley Fool outlines which services are available. With a My Social Security Account, you can apply for benefits, print an income verification letter,…