Social Security Insights

Social Security benefits increased by 8.7% in 2023—the biggest cost-of-living adjustment in more than 40 years. But you don’t have to claim Social Security to cash in on the big COLA. It will be automatically included in your future benefit if you are 62 or older in 2023.

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

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

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

Getting Medicare premiums refunded after death

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Helping clients apply for survivor benefits

If a surviving spouse is collecting their own Social Security retirement when their spouse dies, or is not yet collecting Social Security, they will have to apply for survivor benefits.

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