Social Security
Living on Social Security
The Social Security program was created to provide a financial foundation for lower-income workers who had worked hard throughout their lives but would otherwise not be able to take care of themselves financially during retirement. However, Social Security was never…
Retirement Security for Couples
We encourage Americans to focus on saving for their co-called “golden years.” Saving for retirement is, of course, important, but equally important is how Social Security income fits into each couple’s retirement future. After all, statistics show that, savings aside,…
The Importance of a “Thoughtful Retirement Planning Process”
Thinking about retirement can be a fascinating–and often frightening–exercise. For many folks, the closer they get to that phase of life, the more daunting the planning for those years becomes. Do I have enough of a financial cushion for when…
“Social Security isn’t always an old people’s program.”
That statement is plucked directly out of a column by prominent columnist, author, and former Social Security Administration official Tom Margenau. Many who read his publications enjoy his down-home insights into the practical side of Social Security and how the…
Examining the “Working After Claiming Benefits” Trend
One of the prevalent trends in the U.S. workforce participation rate these days is the increasing number of folks remaining employed through age 70. Think Advisor senior reporter John Manganaro takes a deep dive into this trend in a post…
Fear of Insolvency Driving Many Decisions to Claim Benefits Early
It’s not the only reason folks claim Social Security before full retirement age, but the growing anxiety over the program’s financial future has become a significant factor driving early filing. The Schroders 2025 US Retirement Survey results note that 36% of…
A Call for Public Trustees to Help Guide Social Security Reform
The Social Security trustees oversee the financial operations of the Social Security trust funds and report annually to Congress on their financial and actuarial status. They provide detailed information on the solvency of these funds, which is crucial for informing policymakers and…
EOY Report on Social Security Pledges Stability for Generations to Come
In his end-of-fiscal-year report to Congress on operational improvements implemented at the Social Security Administration, Commissioner Frank Bisignano highlighted the Agency’s transformational work in 2025. His comments also commended SSA staff for their “commitment to defending a program that provides…
Returning to the Workforce in Retirement? Here’s a Common Question
Rejoining the workforce after claiming retirement benefits, as well as claiming benefits while continuing to work, raises an oft-asked question: Will my benefit increase as a result of paying more FICA taxes? That’s the subject of an msn.com article posted…
Ask Rusty – Is Social Security Really a ‘good deal?’
Dear Rusty: You’ve said in the past that most people recoup their SS contributions within five years of starting benefits, thus Social Security “is an exceptionally good deal.” Your calculation is correct but misleading; if it were not, SS would…