Social Security
Perspectives on the Taxation of Social Security Benefits
President Trump has led the most recent charge to rescue Social Security beneficiaries from the pain of income tax assessments, but that’s certainly not the first time the thought has emerged. Through the years, many have argued that including a…
How Years Out of the Workforce Impact Benefits
Future retirees who, for one reason or another, have stepped away from the taxpaying workforce for extended periods need to be aware of the process for calculating their eventual Social Security benefits. Although often viewed as a bit arcane, this…
A Reflection on the 2026 COLA
The recent announcement of a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits has been widely panned as inadequate given the economic environment seniors face. Sure, it’s more than last year’s 2.5 percent, but many pundits note that the…
Delaying Benefits to Age 70–The Argument Rages
Claiming Social Security benefits at age 62–the earliest possible age to collect retirement benefits–is still the most popular choice for those aging into the system. More than a fifth of new filers choose that option, despite the reduction from their…
“It’s your job to educate yourself…”
Former Social Security Administration director of public information Tom Margenau, a 32-year veteran of various positions in the agency, has a direct style when answering questions — and complaints — about agency services. In media vernacular, he tells it like…
The Medicare Premium Impact of COLA
In all the hoopla surrounding last week’s announcement of the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, many media accounts gloss over the effect of Medicare’s premium increase. And it’s a big effect, since it amounts to an 11.6 percent increase in…
Ask Rusty – Should I Ask for Retroactive Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I turn 70 next month, October 3, and am making an application for Social Security benefits to begin in January 2026. I want the maximum Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) and the highest permanent monthly benefit. I do not…
Understanding the 2026 Social Security COLA: What Seniors Need to Know
After weeks of anticipation and a two-week delay, the Social Security Administration has announced the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Beginning in January, recipients will see a 2.8 percent increase in their monthly benefit payments. This yearly adjustment is meant…
Social Security Announces 2.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2026
The awaited announcement of the 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment has finally been made. Please see this article from the Social Security Administration. Also, if you’re unsure about how these basics apply to you, or if you have any questions…
Understanding Social Security for Divorced Spouses
Divorce is usually traumatic and sometimes acrimonious, but such emotions are absent from Social Security’s rules governing benefits for divorced spouses. If the marriage lasted at least 10-consecutive years, benefits from a former spouse are the same as if the…