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Social Security

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Know the Differences Between Social Security Spousal and Survivor Benefits

June 18, 2023

Among the most confusing and important Social Security issues are the differences between spousal and survivor’s benefits. Not knowing the differences can cost you or your spouse thousands of dollars in lifetime benefits. The rules are so confusing that the Social Security Administration (SSA) often makes mistakes, as documented by its Inspector General. Though survivor’s […]

Spouses and Social Security: Resolving the Confusion About Spousal and Survivor’s Benefits

November 11, 2022

The Social Security issues I’m asked about the most concern spousal and survivor’s benefits. It is not a surprise. The rules can be confusing because there’s some similarity between them, but also important differences. The result is that a lot of money is left on the table. The consequences can be especially bad when a […]

How Working Past Age 62 Can Change Your SS Benefits

January 2, 2022

Continuing to work after age 62 can affect your level of Social Security retirement benefits, whether you are receiving benefits or not. The effects are important, but few people understand them. Knowing how continuing to work affects benefits, and might not affect them, leads to better decisions about when to claim benefits and whether to […]

How Working After 62 Can Change Your Social Security Benefits

December 21, 2021

Continuing to work after age 62 can affect your level of Social Security retirement benefits, whether you are receiving benefits or not. The effects are important, but few people understand them. Knowing how continuing to work affects benefits, and might not affect them, leads to better decisions about when to claim benefits and whether to […]

The Expert’s Guide To Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits

March 22, 2021

Most Americans, it pains me to say, make the wrong decisions about claiming Social Security benefits. That can cost them $100,000 or more of lifetime benefits and can increase financial struggles in their later years. It doesn’t have to be that way for you. Making Social Security claiming decisions the right way ensures you make […]

How to Make Better Social Security Decisions

February 23, 2021

Most Americans make the wrong decisions about claiming Social Security benefits. That costs them $100,000 or more of lifetime benefits and increases financial struggles in their later years. It doesn’t have to be that way for you. Making Social Security claiming decisions the right way ensures you make the best choices for you and your […]

Is Social Security Still Shortchanging Beneficiaries?

February 7, 2021

Before I answer this question, here are two very important reminders (when it comes to your retirement money)… You don’t ask the IRS to help you pay the lowest taxes possible, and you shouldn’t rely on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure you receive the maximum benefits. I’ve heard many anecdotal reports over the […]

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