Articles, guides, and reviews about Social Security Benefits.
Understanding the Impact of the Retirement Insurance Benefit Limit (RIB LIM) on Your Survivor Benefits Scenario Your husband filed for Social Security at 62, received reduced benefits, and passed away at 65. You’re filing for survivor benefits at your full retirement age (FRA) of 66 and 4 months. You want to know if you’ll get…
How 7 RIB LIM Rules Impact Your Social Security Survivor Benefits Read More »
How to Earn Income Now and Still Grow Your Monthly Check Later Scenario You’re turning 65 and considering part-time work to ease into retirement. You don’t need Social Security immediately, but you’re wondering: how much can you earn without reducing your benefits? If you claim early, the government may temporarily withhold some of your check.…
7 Things to Know About Working Part-Time at 65 While Delaying Social Security Read More »
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits: Strategies for Maximizing Your Income 1. Use the Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefit Estimator 2. Calculate Your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) 3. Understand Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) 4. Claim at the Right Time 5. Avoid the Earnings Test Before FRA 6. Account for Spousal or Survivor Benefits 7.…
7 Ways to Know How Much You Can Make on Social Security Read More »
How Retroactive Pay, Benefit Corrections, WEP/GPO Changes, and Timing Can Trigger Bigger Checks If you noticed a larger-than-usual Social Security deposit, do not automatically assume the money is a bonus you can spend. Social Security payments can change because of retroactive benefits, corrections to your earnings record, delayed claims, disability decisions, survivor benefits, or simply…
Why You Got Extra Money From Social Security This Month Read More »
How to Keep Up with Rent Increases on a Fixed Income Rising rent prices are putting financial strain on seniors living on Social Security and retirement savings. Without a strategy, high rental costs can drain resources quickly, forcing difficult decisions. Fortunately, several options can help seniors afford rent without compromising their quality of life. Scenario:…
7 Ways Seniors Can Afford Rising Rent Costs Without Sacrificing Retirement Read More »
Avoid These Costly Mistakes Before You Quit Working Retiring early sounds like a dream, but it can quickly turn into a financial nightmare if you don’t plan for hidden expenses. Healthcare, penalties, and inflation are just a few of the unexpected costs that can drain your savings faster than you anticipated. Before you leave the…
7 Hidden Costs of Early Retirement That Could Ruin Your Plans Read More »
Our Advice for Widows and Widowers Who Want to Maximize Retirement Income Without Working Longer Losing a spouse creates an emotional problem and a financial problem at the same time. Unfortunately, the bills do not care that your household just went from two people to one. If your spouse was receiving Social Security, earning a…
How a Widow Can Maximize Retirement Income Without Working Longer Read More »
How to Avoid Benefit Interruptions While Visiting Family Overseas Scenario Your grandma is planning to travel abroad for three months to visit family, but is concerned that Social Security might stop her retirement checks if she leaves the country. Since she does not receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), she wonders if her trip will impact…
7 Essential Facts About Social Security and Traveling Abroad for Seniors Read More »
Our Advice on Protecting Your Retirement From a Social Security Clawback A Social Security overpayment can suddenly reduce the income you were counting on. The goal is to prevent the problem when possible—and make sure your retirement does not fall apart if it happens anyway. A Social Security “clawback” generally means the Social Security Administration…
7 Ways to Protect Your Retirement from a Social Security Clawback Read More »
Scenario: A Self-Employed Retiree Confused by Social Security’s Earnings Questions You’re self-employed and ready to apply for Social Security at Full Retirement Age (FRA). Unlike early filers, you know there are no income limits once you reach FRA. But when filling out the application, Social Security asks for your expected earnings—both annually and monthly. Why…
Our Advice on Retiring Comfortably With a Modest Nest Egg: How to Make a Smaller Portfolio Pay More You may not have millions saved, but the right combination of Social Security, guaranteed income, lower expenses, housing decisions, and insurance can make retirement far more manageable. Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is…
Smart Ways to Retire Comfortably on a Modest Nest Egg Read More »
What This Guide Covers (First-Time Friendly) Starting benefits isn’t one-size-fits-all—especially for couples. This guide shows you the specific ways a spouse can increase their lifetime Social Security benefits, when each move makes sense, and what to watch out for. In plain terms, you’ll see nine strategies (from timing and spousal rules to do-overs and survivor…
Compare Ways A Spouse Can Increase Social Security & Get More Lifetime Income Read More »