Social Security
Social Security Reform and the Impact on Claiming Age
Statistically, age 62–the earliest age for collecting Social Security retirement benefits–is most popular, even though it results in a substantial reduction in monthly benefoit amounts. For some one with a full retirement age of 67, for example, the monthly benefit…
Social Security Basics…Some Things You Need to Know!
On the surface, Social Security seems somewhat simple…you work and pay FICA tax, then you draw benefits when you retire. But as anyone who has navigated these waters can probably tell you, it’s not that clear-cut. In fact, there are…
Testing Your Readiness to Claim Social Security Benefits
Anyone who has taken a look at Social Security or is trying to determine whether they’re ready to file knows full well that it’s kind of a tricky decision point. Unless you’re age 70, at which point continued deferral would…
Social Security and the Debt Ceiling: Mixed Opinions on Potential Impact
The lack of movement on the rapidly approaching debt-ceiling crisis is causing a stir in the minds of many folks, especially those receiving Social Security benefits. And while several competing viewpoints have emerged, it appears that May 9 may mark an…
The Debt Ceiling: Implications That Go Beyond Social Security
As indicated in today’s Headline post, the potential for Social Security benefits to be impacted by a U.S. government default is an item of considerable discussion these days. And while that’s certainly a critical possibility, it’s chilling to consider the…
Underscoring the Purpose of Social Security
In a post today on morningstar.com, financial journalist Mark Miller sets forth “A beginner’s guide to understanding and maximizing Social Security benefits.” But it’s more than that…Miller’s article delves into the program’s progressive design, highlighting its long-term role in addressing…
Reasons to Check Your SSA Annual Statement
Verifying the information included on your annual Social Security statement is an important thing to do, and can save you a lot of difficulty later in the event there are mistakes or omissions in the information contained in the statement. For…
Social Security and the Veteran Community
The month of May features many articles and happenings related to Veterans and their families, especially during the build-up to Memorial Day. What’s often overlooked, though, is the Social Security program’s range of services and support mechanisms available to those…
Ask Rusty – About “Survivor” Benefits vs. “Spousal” Benefits
Dear Rusty: I will be 70 in August and will file my application for benefits in May. I know I’ll get my maximum possible amount at age 70, but I need you to clarify things I have read. Per an…
Retirement Planning 101: A Look at Some Basics
As the article says at the outset, it’s never too early or too late to plan for your retirement. The simple fact is that the planning must start somewhere, and this post by the good folks at L’Observateur appearing on…