Social Security
Using Social Security’s online retirement planners
Anyone looking ahead to retirement is probably aware of the importance of understanding the details needed to make effective decisions. In an effort to help those interested in acquiring this understanding, SSA Public Affairs Specialist Catherine LeBlanc has posted an article on…
Just in–Social Security Now Serving 69.3 million Beneficiaries
The Social Security Administration this week released its February 2020 monthly statistical report, showing an increase of 155,000 in the number of folks receiving benefit payments from the system. Two-thirds of this increase is in the “aged 65 or older,” as…
Understanding the “Taxability” of Your Social Security Benefits
It comes as a blunt surprise to many folks, but the monthly benefits paid to them out of Social Security can be subject to federal income tax. Yes, even though the proceeds are the result of taxes they’ve already paid,…
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Important Information about Social Security Services
(Source: Social Security Administration) All local Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during…
Ask Rusty – Using IRA instead of Claiming SS; Disability Appeal
Dear Rusty: I am currently unemployed and drawing funds from my IRA. I am 62 years old. My financial adviser instructed me to not take Social Security because once I do that the percentage of increase would stop. He said…
How long does your “nest egg” need to last?
It’s a frightening question to many, especially those who have a pretty good idea that their accumulated retirement savings just might not be sufficient. It’s also a question that by its very nature is unanswerable. It’s sort of like “how…
Social Security and the Candidates: Who’s Saying What?
Political footballs are nothing new, especially in an election year. And Social Security reform has, as expected, risen to the attention of the remaining candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination. Just take a look at the exchange of viewpoints that surfaced…
Can Your the Value of Your Social Security Benefits Decrease?
Well, yes, and there are several ways that this could happen. As outlined in an article by Selena Maranjian posted on missoulian.com, there are two scenarios under which benefits could be impacted negatively, with the first being the result of the “earnings test”…
3 Reasons Why Social Security is Important to Women
(Source: Social Security Administration) In the 21st century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. Yet, on average, women face greater economic challenges than…
A Beyond-the-Obvious Look at Social Security’s Problems
Yes, the baby boomers who contributed so much to the funding of Social Security over the years are retiring, and that brings with it a two-fold impact: fewer workers paying FICA tax, and more retirees drawing benefits. In addition, we…