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This week’s post addresses a recent question from a radio show listener.  She wrote:  “My husband and I are both 53. He is already retired (not entirely by choice) and I plan to work at least another 7 years. Here’s my question- social security will be an important part of our planning, but it seems […]

What Is The Social Security Trust Fund? As the politicians begin to talk more frequently about the Social Security situation for Americans we are hearing more and more about what is called the “Social Security Trust Fund”.  The Social Security Trust Fund (SSTF) was originally created in 1939 and eventually turned into two separate trusts, […]

A new year is upon us!  We have all aged a bit more and hopefully grown exponentially wiser.  As we all know, the new year brings changes and adjustments that will become integrated into our lives… at least until these change once again.  With that said, even Social Security is not immune and there will […]

In the past we have discussed Spousal Benefits for currently married couples as well as divorced spouses.  Today I would like to cover what happens with Social Security benefits and remarriage.  As a spouse, or even a former spouse, there are two main benefits for which you may be eligible:  Spousal Benefits – If currently […]

As a follow up on our previous posts regarding the Basics of Survivor Benefits, this week we are going to answer a question regarding how Survivor Benefits are affected when the widow(er) continues to work while receiving these benefits. The Scenario: Ten years ago a listener’s wife passed away at age 56.  They had been […]

Sometimes it pays to plan ahead and learn the rules before you file for Social Security.  The personnel at your local Social Security office are trained in the rules surrounding the benefits available to people who contact them.  These rules are very complicated and difficult to master.  However, the customer service agents at the SS […]

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 1.7% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2015 that will take effect this December. It’s always nice to get a pay raise; however in the eyes of the beholder this pay raise might not feel so satisfying. Where the 1.7% COLA Comes From The SSA COLA adjustments […]

Last week we discussed a question on Social Security spousal benefits that we received via email from a person who asked if it was possible to file for their own benefits at age 62 then switch to their spousal benefits at their full retirement age of 66. The answer last week was yes…and no.  This week […]

In a previous blog post, we explained some of the basics of Social Security Spousal Benefits. Today we answer a question from a blog follower about this claiming strategy.  The follower asks if it is possible for his wife to file for her own benefit at age 62 and then switch to her higher spousal […]

Have you ever wondered about Social Security representatives and the information they provide? Sometimes it helps if you know the rules before you file for your Social Security benefits. Social Security Representatives Let me begin this week’s blog post by saying I did not write it with the intention of disparaging the hard work and […]