Social Security Insights

Social Security benefits are indexed to inflation to maintain retirees’ buying power. Social Security benefits rose by a whopping 8.7% in 2023, one of the largest cost-of-living adjustments in more than 40 years. As inflation moderated, benefits increased by a more typical 3.2% in 2024.
Image

Social Security in 2024 and beyond

Benefits will be higher next year, but long-term financial concerns persist. As I write my final column for InvestmentNews, I’ll end the year the way I began: looking ahead to scheduled changes in Social
Learn More
Image

Social Security do-overs and lump sums 

People who claimed Social Security early and now regret it have two opportunities to reverse that decision. We all have regrets. But for people who claimed Social Security early and
Learn More
Image

Social Security rules on kids’ benefits

Caregiving parents may receive benefits regardless of their age. While Social Security is the bedrock of retirement income for many Americans, it can also serve as a lifeline for children
Learn More
Image

Social Security’s crucial role shadowed by new doubts

A crisis of confidence in the program is prompting many to claim benefits early. Several recent studies underscore the importance of Social Security as the bedrock of a secure retirement
Learn More
Image

Getting Medicare premiums refunded after death

Survivors can apply for a refund of the deceased person’s unused premiums.
Learn More
Image

Social Security rules for divorced spouses

First rule: There must be at least a decade between ‘I do’ and ‘I don’t.’ Social Security claiming rules are complicated. So is divorce. And when you combine the two
Learn More
Image

Last chance for Social Security claiming strategy

While the rules for claiming Social Security will get a bit simpler starting in 2024, clients will continue to need advice on the best time to claim benefits. Time is
Learn More
Image

Why some public employees can’t collect Social Security

The Windfall Elimination Provision reduction rules affect about 2 million people or about 3% of Social Security beneficiaries. Social Security’s many rules are certainly perplexing, but none spark more anger
Learn More
Image

Navigating through the Medicare maze

Miss your seven-month initial enrollment period, and you may face lifelong enrollment penalties and delayed coverage. Why is Medicare so darn confusing? That’s the complaint I often hear from financial
Learn More
Image

Now’s the time to talk about the future of Social Security

One of the most memorable moments of the recent State of the Union address was President Biden sparring with Republicans over pledges to protect Social Security and Medicare.
Learn More
LEARN ABOUT EBOOK
TALK TO AN EXPERTFOR CONSUMERS
TALK TO AN EXPERTFOR FINANCIAL ADVISORS
HIRE MBF TO SPEAK
Contact Mary Beth's Team
Image