Each year, Social Security beneficiaries eagerly await news about the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). For those on fixed incomes—where increases are tied to a set base amount rather than variable salary growth—any rise can offer relief, especially amidst lingering inflation and pandemic-related challenges. In 2024, inflation outpaced the COLA within the first half of … Read more
Excitement is brewing among millions of public sector retirees as a recent vote in the House of Representatives aims to repeal two controversial provisions, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These measures, which have slashed Social Security benefits for retirees with public pensions, could soon be a thing of the … Read more
Claiming Social Security benefits should be a straightforward process, but delays can sometimes make it frustrating. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) typically handles claims efficiently, errors or missing information can slow down payments. Whether you’re applying for retirement, disability, or other benefits, knowing what to expect and how to avoid delays can save you … Read more
Millions of American retirees are about to receive a financial boost as the Social Security Administration (SSA) implements the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Designed to offset inflation and rising costs, this 2.5% increase will affect monthly benefits for all Social Security recipients. If you’re 62 years or older and already receiving payments, you qualify for … Read more
Deciding when to start collecting Social Security is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make for your retirement. Your choice affects not only the amount you receive each month but also the overall financial stability of your retirement. While you can begin claiming benefits as early as age 62, waiting until your full … Read more
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a wealth of resources to help current and future beneficiaries manage their benefits and make informed decisions. While the SSA website offers a robust FAQ section and general guidance, these resources often fall short when it comes to addressing the specific needs of individual users. Calling the SSA is … Read more
Deciding when to start collecting Social Security benefits is one of the most critical decisions near-retirees face. Retirement, often seen as a reward after decades of work, can present financial challenges if approached without careful planning. With insufficient retirement savings being a common issue, your retirement timing needs to balance financial needs, health considerations, and … Read more
November is winding down, but there’s still an important financial update for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. While most Social Security payments for the month have already been distributed, one additional SSI payment for December is being sent out early due to a quirk in the calendar. Here’s what you need to know about this … Read more
Knowing the nuances of Social Security can significantly impact your retirement planning. As of July 2, 2023, new rules are in place regarding the Full Retirement Age (FRA), which affects how much you can receive. Let’s look into these changes and how you can maximize your benefits, potentially earning up to $3,822 per month in … Read more
Reaching the age of 62 is a milestone, especially when it comes to Social Security benefits. The amount of money you can receive from Social Security varies based on several factors. Let’s cut into what influences your benefits and how you can maximize them. Work History The number of years you’ve worked significantly affects your … Read more