Social Security
The difference between Social Security myths and reality
Social Security myths, such as the looming bankruptcy of the program, a full retirement age of 65, or benefits based solely on your last five years of earnings, persist and can cost you money. Dana George, writing for The Motley…
Achieving the maximum Social Security benefit
The maximum monthly Social Security benefit amount for 2025 is $5,108, or $61,296 annually. Do you know what it takes to receive that amount? Most people don’t. To earn the maximum benefit, you must understand how Social Security calculates your…
Don’t let fear cost you money
According to Suze Orman, a financial expert with more than 40 years of experience, the biggest retirement mistake you can make is claiming your Social Security benefits early. Delaying your claim can significantly increase your total lifetime benefits, as starting…
Americans feel strongly about Social Security
Americans feel strongly about Social Security and are worried about its future, according to two recent surveys. The first, commissioned by the Bipartisan Policy Center’s American Savings Education Council (ASEC) and conducted by Public First, found that “93 percent of…
How Social Security cuts might affect your claiming decision
What if the 2025 OASI Trust Fund and the DI Trust Fund projections were correct, and the combined projected fund would be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits until 2034? It should be noted that the two…
Why is the SSA phasing out paper checks?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer issue paper checks for benefit payments beginning September 30, 2025. The number of beneficiaries affected is less than one percent; however, many of them are older, living in rural areas, or simply…
Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act
U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) reintroduced legislation to strengthen the Social Security Program by introducing the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, H.R. 4968. The bill aims to improve the Social Security program’s fairness, solvency, and benefits. If passed, the…
You mistakenly filed early for Social Security
You realized that claiming your Social Security benefits before your full retirement age was a mistake. But you do have options to correct that mistake, so let’s look at your options. Withdrawing your application You can withdraw your application within…
Ask Rusty – How Do I Apply for Social Security and Receive my Payments?
Dear Rusty: I’m ready to apply for my Social Security benefits, and I’m aware of how my benefits are calculated. What I would like to know about is how the application process actually works and how my benefits are received. …
Social Security Commissioner Touts Recent Improvements
Although Social Security faces mounting concerns about its financial trajectory, SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano provides reassurance that “Social Security is not a program of the past; it is a promise to future generations.” In an interview with Fox Business, the…