Social Security

Where Could Your Retirement Income Come From?

You're used to receiving a paycheck, and perhaps you've been used to it steadily increasing over the course of your career. You may have experienced what’s known as “lifestyle inflation” and may not plan to downgrade in retirement. Whatever the case, it’s important to know where your retirement income will come from. It could come [...]

By |2021-07-26T01:10:31-04:00July 26th, 2021|Retirement Income, Social Security|

Be Part of the 4% When it Comes to Social Security

According to a recent study, only 4% of retirees claim Social Security benefits at the optimal time, losing out on an average of $111,000 per household.[1] There are many things to consider when choosing how to claim your benefit, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for maximizing it. Consider your unique situation and read these tips [...]

By |2021-07-06T00:41:43-04:00July 6th, 2021|Social Security|

How Will Social Security Benefits and Taxes Change Next Year?

The Social Security Administration recently made some important announcements that workers and retirees should note, including a Social Security benefit increase – and a tax increase. While it’s very unlikely that the program will ever disappear, we could see changes in the coming years due to the program's financial state. The Social Security trust fund [...]

By |2020-10-26T12:42:43-04:00October 26th, 2020|Financial Planning, Social Security, Tax Strategies|

How Could the Outcome of the Election Affect Social Security?

Regardless of who wins the election, Social Security will surely remain a hot button issue. The program currently pays out more than it takes in, and this trend is likely to continue. The Social Security trust fund was projected to run out in 2035, at which point about 79% of benefits would be payable.[1] However, [...]

By |2020-09-28T01:23:08-04:00September 28th, 2020|Social Security|

When It Comes to Social Security, Focus On What You Can Control

Even if you don’t plan to rely primarily on Social Security for income in retirement, it’s still an important part of your retirement plan. Despite its importance, only 4% of retirees claim Social Security benefits at the optimal time, losing out on an average of $111,000 per household, according to a recent study.[1] You might [...]

By |2020-08-09T20:06:46-04:00August 9th, 2020|Social Security|

Should You Claim Social Security Early Due to Financial Hardship?

If your financial or employment situation has changed due to coronavirus, you may be rethinking your Social Security claiming strategy. While you can claim Social Security benefits as early as age 62, you will receive a permanently smaller benefit. If you wait to claim past your full retirement age, your benefit will increase by 6 [...]

By |2020-05-11T03:43:12-04:00May 11th, 2020|Financial Planning, Social Security|

What You Need to Know About Social Security Changes in 2020

10,000 Baby Boomers are turning 65 every day[1], and Social Security will soon start to pay out more than it takes in.[2] While it’s unlikely that the government will ever get rid of the program, there will likely be some changes in the coming years. It’s important to understand the system and to work closely [...]

By |2020-02-04T01:17:09-05:00February 4th, 2020|Social Security|

Will Inflation Erode Your Social Security Benefit’s Buying Power?

In 2019, Social Security benefits received a 2.8% increase[1] – the largest since 2012. But in 2020, benefits will only see a 1.6% increase[2]. Even though inflation is low right now, the cumulative effect of inflation has eroded the buying power of Social Security by a third since 2000[3] according to the Senior Citizens League. [...]

By |2019-11-04T19:26:07-05:00November 4th, 2019|Financial Planning, Social Security|

Social Security’s Decreased Buying Power

Some are worried about the state of Social Security since the latest report found that starting next year, the program’s annual cost will exceed its income. Some speculate that since the program’s trust fund is expected to be depleted by 2034, cuts are inevitable. But, there should be a more immediate worry facing beneficiaries than [...]

By |2019-06-14T13:13:25-04:00June 14th, 2019|Financial Planning, Social Security|