Social Security
Working and Social Security
One of the most common questions we get asked as a Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation is, “If I take my benefits before my full retirement age (FRA), how much can I earn?” When you start your benefits…
New Chief Executive Officer of the IRS
The current Social Security Administration Commissioner, Frank Bisignano, will now also be working with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A new position has been created, and he will also be the chief executive officer of the IRS. He will report…
The government shutdown could delay the release of Social Security Increases for 2026.
The cost-of-living increase is normally released on October 15th. The government shutdown will not cause a delay in receiving your monthly Social Security benefits, but it may delay the release of the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). According to the article…
The New $6,000 deduction in the “Big Beautiful Bill” does not reduce your AGI.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB) recently passed in Congress includes an additional $6,000 tax deduction for people 65 and older, $12,000 for married. While this new bill may reduce your tax liability, it does not reduce your adjusted gross income…
Did you know that Social Security used to make house calls?
Tom Margenau wrote an article about being a “field representative” for Social Security many years ago. Social Security used to do actual house calls for people who were confined to their homes or travel to different locations without an office…
Will a 12% Medicare increase in 2026 offset your COLA adjustment?
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is scheduled to be released on October 15th, 2025; however, it may be delayed due to the government shutdown. It’s expected to be about 2.7%, higher than last year’s 2.5%. For a typical $2,000 Social Security…
Ask Rusty – Should I Take Social Security Now, or at age 70
Dear Rusty: I was born in April 1958, and my plan has been to take my Social Security at age 70. However, my sister-in-law says that it is smarter to take it now while I am still working. I will…
2026 COLA Watch
We’re nearing the announcement of the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and it appears that the 2.7% range is where it will fall. October 15 is the usual date for an official announcement, but of course, that may shift…
2026 COLA Thoughts…Will the Increase Be Enough?
The eagerly awaited announcement of next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), typically made on October 15, may face delays due to the government shutdown and its impact on staffing at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But whenever the announcement…
Thoughts on Delaying Social Security Benefits
Most folks know that age 62 is the point at which Social Security benefits can be claimed. Most folks also know that exercising this option represents a reduction in the monthly amount they could receive by waiting until their full…