Social Security
Saving Millions Won’t Solve a Trillion Dollar Problem
In this intriguing Morningstar article from Dow Jones, the Federal budget deficit is discussed in very realistic terms, while evaluating the more recent efforts to “eliminate waste and fraud” by the much maligned Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The basis…
Ask Rusty – Should my Spouse be getting half of my Social Security amount?
Dear Rusty: I was referred to you to ask a question about Social Security benefits. I receive about $1,700 a month from Social Security while my husband receives only approximately $750 monthly. Is he entitled to file for half of…
Social Security Will No Longer Mail Paper Checks
This article proclaims it’s “the end of an era,” and it definitely is. Social Security has been mailing monthly payments to beneficiaries since the late 1930s. Of course, for many years, Social Security has also been requiring new recipients to…
Sometimes you need to take your Social Security at 62
You constantly hear about strategies for maximizing your Social Security benefits, but it is not always your best option. When to take your Social Security benefit is a personal decision only you can make, depending on your personal circumstances. …
Are You Eligible for a Spousal Benefit?
Even if you never worked, if you are married or were married at least 10 years, you could qualify for benefits based on your spouse’s record. You can get a spousal benefit equal to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement…
Changes May Be Coming to How Social Security Disability is Determined
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is considering a proposed rule that will affect how disability eligibility is determined for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). One of the changes would replace the outdated occupational data. The…
Your Social Security Benefits May Still Be Taxable
If you plan on working after starting your Social Security benefits, your earnings will still be subject to payroll taxes. It doesn’t matter if you start receiving benefits before or after your full retirement age (FRA); you will continue to…
Longer Life Expectancy Increases the Need for Retirement Savings to Last Longer
The average life expectancy in the United States has grown from age 61 in 1935, when Social Security was first created, to age 79 today. At that time, women were expected to live until 64, and men until 58. Someone…
Deciding When to Start Your Social Security Benefits
Deciding the right time to start your Social Security benefits is a personal decision only you can make. Everyone’s situation is different. Only you can decide the right time to start receiving your Social Security. If you are married, it’s…
Is Your Social Security Benefit Enough
Social Security plays a huge role for many older Americans, and it is not uncommon to wonder how their own benefit compares to others. Your Social Security benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings; the more you…