Social Security
Ask Rusty – I’m Divorced; Can I Get Benefits from my Ex-husband?
Dear Rusty: After 16 years of marriage, we were divorced. I have never remarried, but he has. When he starts collecting Social Security (he is 64 now and still working), is it true that I can claim ex-spousal benefits or does…
Social Security 2026: What you need to know!
Since 1940, Social Security has been paying monthly benefits to American seniors and their dependents – that’s almost 9 decades! That is a pretty good record, and the program regularly changes to keep up with the times. In fact, several…
Some Retirement Advisors are Wrong!
Considered somewhat of a “guru” on retirement matters, Dave Ramsey is a frequently featured guest on financial programs, and he offers a regular financial podcast and “blog” offering retirement advice to Americans. Though he’s often consulted about retirement options, it…
Selecting the “Best” Claiming Age for Social Security Benefits
Sure, you can claim Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. In fact, nearly a quarter of all who become eligible at that age do just that. They may or may not understand the long-term consequences of that move, but…
Working after claiming benefits…A look at this workforce demographic
How many of those who claim Social Security benefits remain in–or rejoin–the workforce? Many years ago, when Social Security was healthy, when the full retirement age was 65, and when the cost of living was more manageable, most folks pulled…
Assessing the Implications of the Full Retirement Age (Hint: It’s not as simple as you think)
Reaching full retirement age (FRA)–the age at which a claimant can receive the full amount of their earned Social Security retirement benefit–was historically thought to be age 65. And it was…at least until the Social Amendments of 1983. A series…
A To-Do List for Congress
Well, it’s last on the list, but Social Security (and Medicare) reform made it onto Congress’s 2026 priorities list… at least on the list of pressing congressional matters compiled by PBS NewsHour correspondent Lisa Desjardins and posted on their website…
How Criminal Convictions and Incarceration Affect Social Security Benefits
For those convicted of a crime and sentenced to incarceration for more than a short jail term, there are rules in place governing Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Economic Times Global Desk reporter Piyush Shukla outlines…
State-Level Taxation of Social Security Benefits–An Update
Taxation of Social Security benefits is a continually evolving issue, with the recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act adding some confusion, at least regarding the federal income tax on Social Security benefits. You probably know by now that a workaround…
A Common Sense Approach to Social Security Reform?
In a well-written, somewhat light-hearted, but nonetheless timely and realistic discussion, Stanford Magazine writer Summer Moore Batte summarizes the thinking of two scholars on how to address Social Security’s rapidly approaching financial cliff. In her news.stanford.edu post, Ms. Batte captures…