Social Security

Learn about the best time to start Social Security and see how it fits into your overall retirement plan.

Your Social Security retirement benefits are an important component of your retirement income and need to be carefully factored into your retirement planning. While it is possible to live on Social Security alone, most people also need withdrawals from savings to cover their expenses.

The articles in this section will help you get the highest Social Security payments, figure out when to start benefits, know how to apply, understand how work income impacts benefits and offer you more insider tips for making the most of Social Security.

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spousal benefits

Spousal Benefits: Learn How to Make the Most of Social Security if You Are Married

As you approach retirement, understanding spousal benefits can empower both you and your partner to make well-informed decisions.

December 6, 2023

Modest Social Security Benefit Increase for 2024: Is it Enough?

The Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2024 stands at 3.2%, much less than 2023. Is it enough?

October 12, 2023
Making the most of Social Security

6 Insider Tips for Getting the Most from Social Security

Mary Beth Franklin is a nationally recognized expert in Social Security. Get her 6 insider tips for getting the most from Social Security.

September 25, 2023
highest social security benefit

How to Qualify for the Highest Social Security Benefit Possible

What’s the highest Social Security benefit? Will you qualify? Get easy answers for a wealthier retirement.

August 31, 2023

Will Social Security Run Out? Will Medicare Stay in Business? Get the Latest News on these Important Programs

Demographics and longevity are 2 factors causing financial woes for Social Security and Medicare. Learn if your benefits will be impacted.

April 6, 2023
start social security

Are You Better Off Waiting to Start Social Security Benefits?

There may be $100,000 reasons to delay the start of Social Security. It’s tempting to start early, but your paycheck increases if you wait.

October 13, 2022

Social Security and Working: Everything You Need to Know

Here is what you need to know about Social Security and working: taxes, penalties, when to start benefits, and when to stop work.

August 11, 2022
social security and taxes

Taxes on Social Security: Don’t Get Taken for a Wild Ride

Yes. You will likely pay taxes on Social Security. Learn what to expect (federal, state or work) and find a retirement tax calculator! Learn more now…

March 31, 2022
full retirement age

Full Retirement Age: Is it the Best Time to Start Social Security Benefits?

Your benefits are determined by your Full Retirement Age (FRA), your benefit amount and FRA and the age when you decide to start benefits.

March 1, 2022

Can I Work and Also Get Social Security Benefits?

Yes, you can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time.

November 22, 2021

Big Social Security Benefit Increase for 2022: But is Bump Really Enough?

The Social Security Administration has announced a big Social Security benefit increase for 2022. Beginning next January, Social Security paychecks will show a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 5.9%. This is a huge bump over the modest 1.3% increase that was awarded in 2021. In 2021, the average retired Social Security benefit was $1,565.…

October 14, 2021

Podcast: Mike Piper — Social Security and Tax-Efficient Retirement Planning

Steve and Mike discuss Social Security planning, Roth conversions, and retirement account distributions.

September 30, 2021
how to apply for social security

How to Apply for Social Security: Easy Steps to the Right Decisions

Find out how to apply for Social Security. Applying for Social Security is very straightforward. The real trick is deciding when. Get the inside scoop!

July 21, 2021
social security strategies

Social Security Strategies: 15 Easy Tips for Making the Best Decisions

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 16 easy tips.

June 30, 2021
living on social security alone

11 Ideas for Living on Social Security Alone

Living on Social Security alone really is possible. Get the scoop on 11 ways to make it work for your situation. Read now!

June 30, 2021
pension leveling

Social Security Leveling: What is It? Is it Better than a Traditional Pension Payout Option?

  You are lucky if you have a pension. You are lucky if your pension gives you different pay out options, but the choice for what to do can be confusing. Pension leveling — also called Social Security leveling — is one payout option that can be confusing. What is Pension Leveling / Social Security…

March 19, 2021

Do Social Security Benefits Increase if You Stop Working? Or Decrease?

Do Social Security benefits increase if you stop working? Or decrease?” Learn more and see what applies to your own situation.

March 15, 2021

Changes Coming to Social Security & Medicare: Small COLA and 6 Other New Developments for 2021

To say that Social Security and Medicare are important to the financial well being of seniors would be an understatement. Sixty-two percent of eligible beneficiaries rely on Social Security income for more than half of their income. And almost everyone who is eligible uses Medicare to help fund their healthcare after 65. Here are the…

October 14, 2020
Social Security and Working

Social Security and Working: Everything You Need to Know

Social Security and working: believe it or not, the two are more or less completely compatible with each other. You can absolutely get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, there are a few things that you do need to know. Social Security Work Penalties Determined by Your Age There are…

July 7, 2020
collecting social security

Delay Collecting Social Security and Your Finances Will Win Big

You need to make a lot of choices in retirement.  Many people tout the benefits of investing in real estate.  However, there is a less glamorous way to use your money for better returns.  Delay collecting Social Security and your finances will win big. Money Spent to Delay Social Security Beats Buying Real Estate There…

June 20, 2020

Social Security Benefits for Women: Avoid Making a Big Mistake

For many women, Social Security benefits are not nearly what they could be. Too many women are making a big mistake by claiming early. Why are women’s Social Security benefits typically lower than men’s? There are a few issues. Women tend to start Social Security earlier than men — lowering their monthly paycheck. The longer…

October 6, 2019

Do You Really Care About Your Wife? (Social Security Survivor Benefits Suggest Otherwise)

An important study from the Boston College Center for Retirement Research has found that husbands ignore (maybe overlook or under think) their wife’s retirement income needs when making decisions about when to start Social Security benefits. Widows (and widowers) are entitled to switch to Social Security Survivor benefits and receive their spouse’s full benefit amount…

September 18, 2019

Podcast: Mary Beth Franklin on Avoiding Big Social Security Claiming Mistakes

Episode 10 of the NewRetirement podcast is an interview with Mary Beth Franklin.  Mary Beth is a nationally recognized expert in Social Security claiming strategies.  In fact, she literally wrote the book (“Maximizing Your Clients’ Social Security Retirement Benefits,”) that retirement planning experts use to advise clients on Social Security. Listen to find out why…

June 7, 2018

Married? This is the Single Smartest Social Security Decision You Can Make

You have a lot of decisions to make about retirement. And, if you are married, you have nearly twice the number of choices – plus the complications of competing priorities and sometimes differing goals and expectations.Your Social Security decisions can profoundly impact your spouse today, tomorrow and long after you are gone.The good news is…

May 8, 2017

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