Social Security
Social Security’ 2026 changes: How they affect higher and lower earners
Each year, Social Security undergoes a series of parameter changes that have an across-the-board impact on all beneficiaries. That’s simply part of keeping the massive program at least partly synchronized with the national economy. There are two key changes, though,…
Beefing Up Your Social Security Monthly Benefit Payment
Many folks are aware that Social Security is part of one’s overall retirement financial planning, accounting for about 40% of one’s pre-retirement income. Given its place in overall retirement finances, some steps can be taken to ensure that Social Security…
Social Security Survivor Benefits – Part 2
Understanding the “Widow Limit” The “widow limit” rules apply in situations where the higher-earning spouse took their benefits early, such as at the age of sixty-two. When someone takes their retirement benefits at age 62, they receive 75% of their benefit…
Ask Rusty – Why Didn’t My Friend’s Wife Get All Her SS Immediately?
Dear Rusty: A friend told me about what he believes is a strange thing in the Social Security system. His wife reached her full retirement age (FRA) of 66 several years ago. She delayed filing for Social Security past her…
Spousal Benefits and the Impact of Changes in Marital Status
As if Social Security rules were not complex enough, there’s a segment of the rulebook that makes the basic spousal benefit segment even more complicated. Some of the intricacies could reduce benefits in certain circumstances, and others could eliminate them.…
Understanding (and adapting to) this year’s Social Security changes
In addition to its everyday complexities, Social Security changes each year. Some of these changes are based on legislation (e.g., changes in the full retirement age), others are intended to keep the program aligned with the economy (e.g., cost-of-living adjustments).…
SSDI Eligibility Changes Under Consideration
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a key component of America’s social insurance framework, and in 2025, approximately 11 million beneficiaries received payments from this program. Becoming eligible for SSDI is a rigorous process, with age, education, and residual functional…
A Quick Refresher on the Bonus Deductioon for Seniors
The $6,000 “bonus” income tax deduction for seniors age 65 and older for tax years 2025-2028 will surface for the first time as this year’s IRS filing season gets underway. While the increased deduction is indeed beneficial for qualified taxpayers,…
2026 Social Seurity Payment Schedules
For those planning their income and expense cash flows for the coming year, now is a good time to examine the specific dates for Social Security benefit payments in 2026. A post yesterday by MSN.com’s David Maina provides a handy…
The Social Security Retirement Earnings Test–2026 Edition
Today’s headline post on this site discusses the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test, specifically noting the positive implications of its elimination. For those who’ve claimed their benefits before their full retirement age and are wondering exactly what this test means…