9 Things to Consider Before Signing Up for Social Security
Some retirees make benefit decisions without adequate information about their claiming options.
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.
Showing 50 results of 1282
Some retirees make benefit decisions without adequate information about their claiming options.
Here’s what Social Security provides to young people.
Many members of Generation X and Baby Boomers who are not yet eligible for Social Security said they will claim benefits as soon as they are eligible, according to a new study.
Social Security benefit cuts are a real risk but not certain. Here’s what projections show, and how to plan your retirement accordingly. The post Social Security Benefit Cuts? What the Latest Projecti...
The trust funds for Social Security and Medicare Part A seem likely to run out of money faster than was projected last year, the Congressional Budget Office estimates.
My 62 year old wife is being treated for stage three breast cancer, and she is currently receiving care via Medicaid. She does not have any income of her own, she is not now receiving any Social Secur...
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage, Social Security timing, and the enrollment mistakes that follow you permanently. The post Social Security and Medicare Decisions That Can Cost You for Life ap...
In the world of very early retirement, we tend to ignore one of the most important things for normal retirees: the Social Security program. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great thing for the 73 million pe...
The Social Security decision should reflect how clients want to spend, withdraw from wealth and experience retirement. Here's how advisers can find that out.
This post is a follow-up to our post of July 2, 2025. In that post, we talked about the possibility of future Social Security benefit cuts and how you can use the Actuarial Financial Planner to estima...
When I claim SS my wife and I suddenly have another $5700 monthly coming in (mine+spousal). That WELL exceeds what we need to live on - even with a generous vacation budget. I'm thinking that at that ...
We are retired and want to spend $250,000 a year, but once Medicare and Social Security start, we'll need less. Are we nuts?
In this episode of the Retirement Answer Man, Roger Whitney explores the critical decision of when to claim Social Security benefits, weighing the pros and cons of taking them early versus delaying. T...
From what I’ve read it’s my understanding if I claim a SS Survivors benefit the amount is based on a percentage of my spouse’s SS benefit at age 67 (FRA). If I claim the benefit at age 60 it would be ...
Claiming Social Security is a lifelong decision, and poor choices can cost the average couple more than $180,000. Complete these tasks to avoid a big mistake.
A new proposal could cap Social Security benefits at $100,000. Here’s who it impacts, why it’s gaining traction, and what it means for your retirement.
What will you have: benefit cuts or tax hikes? Maybe a little of each. Here is what six potential solutions to the system’s bankruptcy would do to you.
Women should personalize their Social Security claiming strategy and run the numbers after considering life expectancy, tax situation and existing assets.
One more week left of work, then on vacation for a month. Retirement date is May third. Signed up for Social Security on February 13th, says it can take up to thirty days, it's still under review. How...
Steve Chen sits down with Mark Miller to unpack the biggest changes hitting Social Security and Medicare right now. The post Podcast 109: Social Security & Medicare: What’s Changing and What It Means ...
There was a Senate hearing yesterday on Senate Budget Committee Examines Social Security Solvency You can watch / read /listen to it all on CPAN 2 at this link - https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-...
After eight years of managing our funds and averaging over 9%, I was feeling confident. But if you change your mind, things can get messy. The post A Change of Plans About When I Took Social Security ...
Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA focus on Social Security claiming strategies as part of the retirement spitballs, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 574. Bijou Plutus and her ...
Whether you're looking for a total "do-over" or just a temporary "pause," this quick quiz reveals exactly what is — and isn't — possible.
From spousal and child benefits to taxes and timing, these 20 lesser-known Social Security rules can significantly impact your retirement income.
Everyone might want to read this recent editorial from MarketWatch and Morningstar here - - https://www.morningstar.com/news/marketwatch/2026031757/social-security-benefit-cuts-are-coming-and-they-wil...
Deciding when to claim Social Security is tricky — and the wrong decision can be costly. DIY investors shouldn't leap in without these tools and rules.
does anyone else's retirement plan depend quite heavily on s⁰cial security? if so, is that a major concern? I would love to hear from others who have retired or are retiring soon, who are heavily depe...
I'm considering continuing working past my full retirement date to payoff mortgage, as I can take Social Security and full salary at the same time. Is there a calculation available that one can show t...
Thanks to the family maximum benefit, when a retiree starts collecting Social Security, certain family members may also receive support. Here's a complete guide.
The Golden State won't touch your Social Security, but high rates on pensions and IRAs tell a different story. Can you afford retirement in California?
Will the SSA send the funds abroad? Or will they direct-deposit only to a US account? Do you have to maintain a physical mailing address in the US of will a rented mailbox be OK? Do any of the answers...
A growing number of retirees have been paying federal tax on their benefits. A new $6,000 per person senior deduction reduce taxes for some seniors, but doesn’t change the way Social Security is taxed...
Test your knowledge of Social Security delayed retirement credits with our quick quiz.
One in two Americans don't know much about Social Security — and some are basing their retirement on mistaken beliefs. It's time to separate fact from fiction.
Hana's mom is 92. Mom's husband is 74, and after years of trying to help a family member, nearly a million dollars is gone. How do they stop the bleeding before it's too late, and how much can they sp...
Many older Americans have a simple plan for paying for retirement: keep working longer, or never stop working at all. But for a large share of workers, that plan falls apart. About 40% of people who a...
FROM THE ARTICLE. When to Apply for Social Security Is an Individual Decision. The age when you claim is critical, but consider your health, finances and family situation, too. 6-minute read. By Andy ...
In these sun-soaked, welcoming beachside cities, retired couples can live the good life on a monthly budget of $3,208 or less...
Women often are paid less than men and live longer, so it's critical that they know their Social Security options to ensure they claim what they're entitled to.
Not all retirees who live in states that tax Social Security benefits have to pay state income taxes. Will your benefits be taxed?
Not understanding how the upcoming changes in 2026 might affect you could put your financial security in retirement at risk. This is what you need to know.
Wealthy retirees often overlook Social Security. But timed properly, it can drive tax efficiency, keep Medicare costs in check and strengthen your legacy.
Taking Social Security later results in higher future income, but that can create an income gap. Annuities can boost income until you file for benefits.
Choosing the right Social Security strategies can be a $100,000 (or more) question. Find out how to make the most of this benefit with 15 easy tips. The post Social Security Strategies: 15 Tips for Ma...
Medicare premiums and taxes can shrink Social Security benefits. Plan ahead to protect retirement income.
Most retirees unknowingly leave thousands of dollars on the table just by filing for Social Security the wrong way. In this episode, Ryan and Tyson Thacker reveal how the right…
Learn how Social Security benefits may apply to spouses, ex-spouses, and surviving partners. Find out if you’re eligible for extra payments and how to claim what you’re owed.
Think waiting until 70 is the gold standard for Social Security? We dig into the real math behind delayed retirement credits and the hidden trade-offs that rarely make it into the headlines. Drawing o...
About 10 years ago, I tried logging onto SSA.gov to check my Social Security benefits. You would think after decades of paying FICA taxes (6.2% for SS, 1.45% for Medicare), the government might make i...