Social Security
Will a 12% Medicare increase in 2026 offset your COLA adjustment?
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is scheduled to be released on October 15th, 2025; however, it may be delayed due to the government shutdown. It’s expected to be about 2.7%, higher than last year’s 2.5%. For a typical $2,000 Social Security…
Ask Rusty – Should I Take Social Security Now, or at age 70
Dear Rusty: I was born in April 1958, and my plan has been to take my Social Security at age 70. However, my sister-in-law says that it is smarter to take it now while I am still working. I will…
2026 COLA Watch
We’re nearing the announcement of the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and it appears that the 2.7% range is where it will fall. October 15 is the usual date for an official announcement, but of course, that may shift…
2026 COLA Thoughts…Will the Increase Be Enough?
The eagerly awaited announcement of next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), typically made on October 15, may face delays due to the government shutdown and its impact on staffing at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But whenever the announcement…
Thoughts on Delaying Social Security Benefits
Most folks know that age 62 is the point at which Social Security benefits can be claimed. Most folks also know that exercising this option represents a reduction in the monthly amount they could receive by waiting until their full…
A Deeper Dive into the Governmental Shutdown
For the 21st time since 1976, the federal government has been shut down due to Congress’s inability to reach an agreement on funding plans. What’s unknown, of course, is how long the curtailment of government services will continue. Still, if…
The Shutdown is Now Underway…What’s the Impact on Social Security Payments?
It’s here…the federal government officially shut down at 12:01 a.m. today following a no vote on a stopgap funding bill that would have allowed for continued operation through November 21. Naturally, the question foremost on the minds of many of…
Government Shutdown and Social Security Payments
The absence of agreement on appropriations funding and the countdown to a government shutdown are causing some angst among the legions of Social Security beneficiaries. What will happen with the scheduled distribution of benefit payments is a logical question on…
Cautionary Remarks on the Elimination of Paper Checks
With the planned cessation of paper checks for an estimated 390,000 Social Security recipients on September 30, some sources are sounding the alarm. For example, Social Security Works president Nancy Altman yesterday published a statement describing the move as having…
More on the OBBBA “Bonus Deduction”
The “No Tax on Social Security” Promise President Trump’s campaign pledge to end the taxation of Social Security benefits met with a roadblock in the Senate, prohibiting changes to the structure of Social Security during a budget reconciliation process. Undaunted,…