My Comments: Years ago, it was simply a matter of waiting to reach 65, showing up at the Social Security office and then waiting for a check to appear in the mail. Today, that idea is quaint and naive. As the baby boomers reach age 62 and beyond, it’s become a chore to figure out …
Continue reading Restricted Application for Social Security Benefits
My Comments: Recently, I have developed an “expertise” in Social Security matters. I wish I'd had this knowledge when I reached what is known in the system as Full Retirement Age or FRA. For me, this was when I was 65 and 8 months old. I signed up and I’ve been getting checks every month …
The idea of simply signing up for Social Security checks once you reach at 62 used to be a good idea. Not anymore. For each of us, there are 92 possible months to sign up. How do you know which one is best. And once you sign up, there is no turning back. I’ve recently …
Continue reading 6 Things About Social Security You Should Know
My Comments: I’ve talked about Social Security from time to time in this blog. I’ve expressed my opinion which contradicts that of my son (age 41). He thinks it’s unlikely he’ll ever see any benefits from what all of us know as Social Security. Some 30 years ago, there was widespread perception that it could …
Continue reading Social Security: A Windfall For the U.S. Government?
My Comments: My son recently suggested that he had doubts about there being any money left in the social security system for when he reaches retirement age. I simply shook my head. Years ago, Congress was looking at something similar and made some changes. None of us as employees or employers were dramatically effected by …
Continue reading Working Women Relieve Pressure on Social Security
My Comments: It’s hard for me to understand why this should be a difficult calculation. Until I realize that there are lots of variables in how social security benefits are payable, and the best solution is often a function of how long you live, and whether you and your spouse, assuming you have one, stay …
Continue reading When to Begin Social Security? Even Advisors Aren’t Sure
My Comments: Amid the budget crisis that seems to consume Washington and the national press are issues about social security that never seem to go away. This is spite of the fact that we are among the wealthiest nations on the planet and that it was deemed some 80 years ago that we could afford …
My Thoughts on This: This is an issue that is increasingly complicated. In the "old" days, you simply reached a certain age, signed up, and began to get a check. The size of the check was a function of how much you had contributed over the years. Then there was the possibility of starting before …
My Comments: Social Security has become part of the fabric of American society and fundamental when it comes to economic survival by those of us whose age qualifies us for benefits. At least for most of us in the 99% who don’t comprise the top 1%. It’s going to change over time, just as it …
Continue reading Reasons to Check Your Social Security Account
My Comments: My wife and I are proud recipients of a Social Security check every month. If that makes us "socialists" and you have a problem with that, I couldn’t care less. Demographics are going to cause adjustments in the payout to recipients, the level of contributions from working citizens, and when you can start, …
Helping Define Your Financial Future 