Social Security Planning
Social Security Trustees Report 2023: Here We Go Again
Episode 228 – The new Social Security Trustees report has both good news and bad news. The question is: where do we go from here? Continue Reading Social Security Trustees Report 2023: Here We Go Again
Social Security and Medicare COLAs Announced
Episode 207 – Next year’s 8.7% Cost of Live Adjustments (COLA) increase for Social Security and reduction in Medicare Part B premiums are welcome news. But how good is the news really? Continue Reading Social Security and Medicare COLAs Announced
What Happens to Your Social Security if You Change Your Mind about Retirement?
Episode 197 – In the past year or so, the Great Resignation has evolved into the Great Reshuffling. But what happens to your Social Security if you retire and then decide to go back to work? Continue Reading What Happens to Your Social Security if You Change Your Mind about Retirement?
Roth IRA Conversion: To Convert or Not to Convert
Episode 189 – While Roth IRAs are very attractive because of tax-free growth and tax-free qualified distributions, there are many considerations when deciding to convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Continue Reading Roth IRA Conversion: To Convert or Not to Convert
Can We “Fix” Social Security by Raising the Age?
Episode 172 – As the annual Trustees’ report looms, there have been a number of proposed “fixes” to the Social Security system. Is an increase in Full Retirement Age a possibility? Continue Reading Can We “Fix” Social Security by Raising the Age?
Social Security COLAs: Less than Advertised?
Episode 159 – Not as good as advertised. The recent 5.9% Social Security COLA isn’t as good as it seems. Continue Reading Social Security COLAs: Less than Advertised?
Three Social Security ‘Do Over’ Options
Episode 155 – Deciding on when to collect Social Security is a complicated process. But it comes with surprising flexibility. And people are surprised to learn of the three “do over” options that Social Security allows. Continue Reading Three Social Security ‘Do Over’ Options
Is the Social Security Administration Running a Scam?
Episode 152 – Is the Social Security Administration running a scam? One prominent retirement expert thinks so. Continue Reading Is the Social Security Administration Running a Scam?
IRS and Social Security Phone Scams
Episode 135 – We urge you to always be cautious and not provide sensitive information such as your Social Security number or bank account information to unknown individuals over the phone or internet. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you. Continue Reading IRS and Social Security Phone Scams
Conscientious Objectors to Social Security
Episode 128 – The term conscientious objector can be applied to more than just military service. In fact, certain members of the clergy can object to, and thus opt out of, Social Security. Continue Reading Conscientious Objectors to Social Security
A Good Reason to Wait
Episode 94 - What’s the best investment you can make for your retirement? For many future retirees, their best “investment” may be delaying collecting Social Security benefits.Transcript of Podcast Episode 94
Born 1960 or Later? COVID Could Wreck Your Retirement
Episode 87 - One aspect of the recent pandemic has gone largely unnoticed: the effect COVID-19 will have on future Social Security benefits for people born 1960 or later. For some, there may be devastating consequences.Transcript of Podcast Episode 87
Using Social Security to Enhance Your Family Legacy
One of social security’s biggest limitations is that no matter what you do, it's going to help only you and your spouse. Once the two of you are gone, the Social Security ends. But what if there was a way to use Social Security to create a family legacy for your...
Fixing Social Security: “Means Testing”
Episode 50 - Everyone tells us that Social Security needs “fixing.” The Social Security Trust Fund, as it currently exists, is not projected to be big enough to cover all of its projected payouts beyond the year 2035. So something needs to be done. Is “means testing” the answer? Continue Reading Fixing Social Security: “Means Testing”
Social Security Survivor Benefits
Episode 49 - Learn more about Social Security Survivor Benefits in this podcast episode of SML Planning Minute. Continue Reading Social Security Survivor Benefits