Social Security is a government-run program in the United States that provides a source of income for retirees, as well as for people who are disabled or the survivors of deceased workers. The program is funded through payroll taxes, and it is designed to provide a basic level of financial security for those who are no longer able to work.
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Need help with January 2028 retirement. Wife and I will both be 62 at time of retirement. My gut is to take the largest partial lump sum distribution (PLSD) and get money in my hands. That amount is $...
John Q. Taxpayer is in the home stretch of his career, looking for the best way to catch-up and build his tax-free bucket. Meanwhile, a pair of young financial nerds in Omaha are already strong savers...
"Mr and Mrs Smith" have nearly $850,000 saved at age 43, but they're very concerned about retirement. "Lucy and Desi" are 58 and 64 with nearly $7 million saved, but they still lie awake wondering if ...
Lucky Lou is 48, burned out and wants to punch at 50. How should he bridge the gap before pensions and Social Security? Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA walk through the Rule of 55, 72(t)s,...
Financially speaking, should Old Bear in Northern Kentucky marry his Honey? How should Sebastian in Virginia navigate the financial aspects of his separation? Plus, Famous Missourians want to know, ho...
I am 73 years old and have to withdraw the required RMD from my mutual fund IRA which is a fairly substantial amount. Can I hire a Certified Financial Planner to handle my RMD (i.e., Roth IRA, etc.) a...
Most people assume retirement taxes are based on how much they withdraw. The real problem is what the IRS eventually forces them to withdraw. In this episode, James walks through what taxes can actual...
We are retired and have about 500k in iras I am looking for dividend income and some growth. I don’t know if I should sell my shares in individual stocks in case of a bear market or should I let them ...
I am 73 years old and have to withdraw the required RMD from my mutual fund IRA which is a fairly substantial amount. Can I hire a Certified Financial Planner to handle my RMD (i.e., Roth IRA, etc.) a...
We recently asked ChatGPT two questions about using the Actuarial Approach and its Funded Status metric to evaluate a household’s retirement sustainability. ChatGPT had high praise for the Actuarial A...
I've know that RMDs can create a bigger tax burden when they start. We have a traditional IRA. I (67) am already taking SS, my husband (69) will be taking it a year from now, and since we'd consider i...
A bipartisan proposal to create a 75-year sovereign wealth fund for Social Security is not promising, according to Boston College researchers.
Claiming Social Security too early can cost you thousands. Before you file, ask these essential questions to ensure you aren't leaving money on the table.
Social Security’s solvency problems combined with advice by online financial commentators could cause Americans to accelerate their benefit claims.
Ready to call it quits? From timing Social Security to planning, here are 8 pieces of Dave Ramsey advice for a secure retirement.
Delaying your claim until age 70 locks in a permanent, lifelong pay raise. Here is your blueprint to construct an income bridge that safely funds your retirement gap years.
A higher cost-of-living adjustment isn't necessarily a good thing for retirees and other Social Security recipients.
Jesse Cramer and Jeremy Keil detail 7 real world lessons learned from working with hundreds of retirees. There’s a big difference between studying retirement… …and actually sitting across the table fr...
You may think you'll pay less in taxes once you retire, but taxable withdrawals and Social Security can keep your tax bill as high as it was during your career.
I'm hanging out with my four-year-old grandson, he's on my lap talking away, but my mind was elsewhere. I was thinking about the future. I wasn't focused on him at all, but rather an important convers...
Retiring at 60 feels like a clean plan. Work ends, savings take over, and Social Security fills the gap later. What most people do not realize is that decision has already changed their benefit. In th...
The 2026 OASDI Trustees Report is expected to be issued in the near future. Last year, the 2025 report was released in June. Like we did last year, we will take a shot at predicting this year’s 75-yea...
Should I just rent furnished places in both location for six months each? I don’t want to buy, leaving a property for six months at a time. I want to be in climate that allows me to be outside enjoyin...
I don't really want to go back to work yet. But there is a contractual position - if I take it and succeed for 3 to 6 months, we can boost our retirement finances substantially. However, I have anxiet...
Tuesday, May 05 - Monday, May 11, 2026 Most Commented score comments title & link 28 126 comments Question about paying off mortgage. Advice appreciated. 86 47 comments Soon to enter Retirement Phase ...
Driven by a recent spike in fuel and food prices, the 2027 Social Security COLA forecast has jumped to 3.9% — a significant increase over the 2026 raise of 2.8%.
Social Security isn't simple. Learn the key claiming strategies—spousal, survivor, disability, and more—to maximize your benefits and avoid costly mistakes.
In spite of two divorces, two bankruptcies, and one short sale, I have been able to somehow amass about $500,000. I am going to retire at the end of this year at 66. I already started taking SS, and h...
Over 20% of Americans are receiving Social Security. SS benefits will be reduced in 2033. What changes are being considered? How will it affect you? Read to learn more.
Jeremy Keil walks through three critical questions future retirees can answer before their paycheck stops Most people spend decades preparing for retirement by focusing on one number: How much have I ...
Even a perfect Social Security plan can fail if you hit a login wall, an ID check snag or a direct-deposit problem. Here's how to make sure that doesn't happen.
Trump’s proposed retirement accounts add to Social Security rather than divert payroll taxes. This piece explains the additive design and why it matters.
Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. ?Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 ...
Hi, all. Planning for retirement next year. Looks like my social security and pension (both inflation-adjusted, a bit less for the pension) will cover my basic budget without the need to tap the 401k,...
Some advocates argue that Trump Accounts could pave the way for private Social Security funds.
Trump accounts are additions to Social Security, not privatization. Unions have always demanded a hybrid retirement system. The RSAA creates the universal hybrid.
The 90-year-old retirement income program is marred by confusing rules, administrative snafus and uncertainty over what benefit cuts and tax hikes are to come.
In this post, we discuss how you can use the Actuarial Approach and its funded status metric to help you feel more confident about your spending plan in retirement. It is a follow-up to our post of Ja...
The six-figure limit could help restore Social Security solvency, according to one paper.
We're 73, with $2.1 million and $4k a month in Social Security. My husband says we can't afford to help our grandson. Who's right?
(No, not the go-go, slo-go, no-go adage) I just got my letter from Social Security saying, it’s time, bud, apply to claim your benefits. I’ll be 70 in a few months. For the last 2.5 years, my wife and...
Spot Social Security scam emails before they cost you. Learn the red flags, how imposters trick seniors, and simple steps to protect your identity and savings.
Six weeks ago I enrolled for my social security. Its been over six weeks and all I have received is an email on the day after I enrolled saying someone looked at my submittal. I cannot find anyway to ...
Wish we all could see the future! Will be 70 later this year. Still working part time, started collecting SS at FRA. Divorced long ago, never really recovered financially. Work recently started a 401k...
Most people think deciding when to take Social Security is a math problem. Run the numbers. Find the breakeven age. Pick 62, 67, or 70. Done. But that approach misses the point. This is not a math dec...
The Social Security Administration calculates benefits in a capricious fashion, as directed by Congress. The divorced do well, while second earners pay a price.
I left my job in 2025 but contributed to my Roth IRA because I was still working in that year. This year, I started working as a W-2 contractor for my former company through a contracting company. I t...
Hey all! Just finalized my retirement date for this summer (60 M). I’ve gone through the “normal” checklist for financial planning, healthcare coverage, SS, etc. Are there any other checklists out the...
Jeremy Keil explains how 5 smart moves could impact your ability to claim $180,000 or more as a couple in Social Security. If you’re about to file for Social Security, there’s a real possibility you c...
Chris Orestis, founder & president of Retirement Genius, answers the question: “Is Social Security going bankrupt?” “If we don’t address the financial shortfall… it would trigger an immediate 20% or g...