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Social Security

Found 254 Articles.
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Social Security Still Shortchanging Beneficiaries

January 26, 2021

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 years from readers and financial advisors about Social Security representatives giving incorrect answers or different reps giving different […]

Social Security Surprises, Quirks, Misunderstandings and Rules for Retirees and Near-Retirees

January 8, 2021

Social Security’s trust fund is going broke, but Social Security is a key source of income for most retirees. Social Security becomes a more important source of income the longer retirement lasts. Unfortunately, as I learned researching my latest book, few people really understand Social Security and make the best choices for them. It’s not […]

Social Security Continues to Underpay Surviving Spouses

July 28, 2020

You simply can’t rely on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help determine the right benefits for you, especially if you’re a widow or widower.What is even worse is that the SSA has been told about the problem for years and apparently has not been able to correct it. Here is the background. When a […]

How COVID-19 Changes Some Social Security Decisions

June 23, 2020

Because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are reevaluating their Social Security claiming decisions. If you’re among them, be sure you use the Social Security rules to make your revised strategy maximize lifetime benefits as much as possible. The economic downturn caused many people to lose their jobs, and business owners saw […]

The Pandemic Reduces Social Security’s Solvency and Some Benefits

May 25, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic is going to have some serious, long-term effects on Social Security’s solvency and on the amounts paid to some beneficiaries. The trust fund that helps pay benefits to non-disabled Social Security beneficiaries is scheduled to run out of money in 2034, according to the latest annual report from the Trustees of Social […]

The Surprising Estate Planning Step for Social Security Benefits

April 28, 2020

Social Security benefits are one of the items that fall through the cracks in many estate plans. In this issue we already discussed the importance of having a financial power of attorney, so someone manages your finances when you aren’t able to do so. You also might need someone to manage your Social Security benefits, […]

Unlocking the Secrets to Maximizing Social Security at Any Age

January 10, 2020

This isn’t another lecture about waiting to claim Social Security retirement benefits. Instead,this is more of an advanced course to make sure you and your spouse maximize your lifetime Social Security benefits. Even those who already are claiming retirement benefits are likely to learn important information. This edition of the Retirement Watch Spotlight Series also […]

Everything You Didn’t Know About Social Security (Facts & Myths)

November 21, 2019

Almost everyone has a Social Security number and is eligible for Social Security benefits. Yet, survey after survey indicates people know little about the program and their benefits. Moreover, much of what people think they know is wrong. Let’s take a look at some key misunderstandings and oversights about the program. Understanding Benefit Statements The […]

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