Social Security
Did you notice the changes in your monthly benefit?
Some Social Security recipients who would have already received their first Social Security benefit for 2026 may have noticed a couple of changes. The vast majority of Social Security recipients will notice that their benefit will be different from last…
Claiming at 62, is it a matter of longevity and risk
You can claim Social Security benefits starting at age 62, but your benefits will be reduced if you claim before your full retirement age. Delaying your claim past your full retirement age can increase your monthly benefits by eight percent…
More on Social Security’s financial dilemma
As a companion to another article posted today hereon, this Roosevelt Institute article by Stephen Nuñez provides substantial detail about why a Social Security issue exists, and what can be done to prevent the Social Security Trust Funds from being…
Root Cause Analysis: The SS Trust Fund Shortfall
As we have heralded on this website for years, the Social Security Trust Funds are facing a financial crisis in about the year 2033. That is the point, on current course, that the Trust Funds will be fully depleted, necessitating…
Social Security’s maximum benefit is unachievable by most – but don’t despair
Social Security’s so-called “maximum benefit amount” ($5,251 per month for 2026) is one which is quite difficult (some would say, impossible) to achieve. Indeed, it is likely unattainable for most beneficiaries, because it requires a nexus of several factors. Nevertheless,…
Caution to those collecting early benefits: The Social Security “Earnings Test” applies
Probably the biggest cause of seniors receiving an “Overpayment Notice” from the Social Security Administration is a rule called the “Annual Earnings Test,” or “AET.” The AET affects those who claim Social Security prior to their full retirement age (FRA)…
Traps to Avoid in Retirement
Suze Orman is, perhaps, one of the most respected guru’s when it comes to retirement planning. She is a regular guest on television and radio financial programs, and is often sought out for advice on financial matters. So, when Suze…
Social Security won’t be going bankrupt, but ….
The word “bankrupt” suggests that the Social Security program would disappear entirely, and that is not something which can realistically happen. But Social Security “insolvency” is, in fact, a real possibility – and that’s a scenario where Social Security doesn’t…
Mistakes with Social Security will disrupt your retirement
Nobody likes to make mistakes, especially when it comes to Social Security which is the mainstay of financial comfort in your golden years. But, unfortunately, many senior unwittingly make wrong assumptions about Social Security, which can lead to considerable discomfort…
2025 saw lowest inflation in 5 years, but seniors are still struggling!
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the government’s watchdog for inflation, and BLS recently announced that the 2025 actual inflation rate was 2.7% – the lowest since the year 2020. Lower inflation is, of course, a good sign,…