Social Security
Western nations are addressing similar public pension challenges
The good news is that more than 74 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment starting in January 2026. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has just released the annual inflation rate at 3 percent, further…
Three main factors affect the size of your benefit amount
The Social Security Administration released the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on October 24th, and it also released the maximum Social Security benefit for 2026. The 2026 maximum benefit amount will be $5,251 per month; however, reaching the maximum amount can…
Do this by Nov. 19
On October 24th, the Social Security Administration announced the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) amount for 2026. Social Security recipients will see the 2.8 percent increase in their January check. However, if you cannot wait until that day, you need to…
Ask Rusty – Consider the “Wearing Out” Factor While Deciding When to Claim Social Security
Dear Rusty: Enjoyed your recent article on claiming SS benefits. I feel, however, any decision making should also include what I call the “wearing out” factor. Yes, financial need, health, and longevity are definite criteria for a decision. The inevitable…
Demystifying Social Security Disability
Much of the mystery about Social Security disability stems from a simple misunderstanding of what it is – an insurance program for working Americans who become disabled before their full Social Security (SS) retirement age. Just like any other insurance…
What’s Happening With Retirement Confidence in the U.S.?
Recent surveys Charles Schwab and Fidelity reveal an alarming trend: Confidence in American’s ability to adequately prepare for retirement is falling. In fact, an Investopedia post by reporter Aaron McDade suggests that about a third of the 1,100 401 (k)…
Analyzing two key potential Social Security changes offered for consideration
As noted in today’s headline post on this site, many policy experts are weighing in with specific proposals to adjust Social Security that could help address the program’s impending financial crisis. In a post today on MarketWatch.com, retirement reporter Jessica…
Capping COLA: What Would it Mean for Social Security Solvency?
Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is, naturally, in the news these days. The announcement of an across-the-board 2.8% increase beginning in January has generated quite a bit of commentary, including criticism for its inability to help seniors combat inflation.…
Earning the Maximum Social Security Retirement Benefit
For 2026, the highest possible monthly retirement benefit available will be $5,251 after application of the annual cost-of-living adjustment. Sounds like a lot, of course, and many folks wonder how to go about setting themselves up to collect that size…
Retirement Earnings Test Increase for 2026
Many Social Security benefit recipients who have not yet reached their full retirement age (FRA) but continue working are aware (or should be) of the Retirement Earnings Test, which limits the amount of income they can earn before benefits are…