RetireWiser Social Security Blog https://retirewiser.net/blog Expert insights on Social Security benefits, retirement planning strategies, and maximizing your retirement income. en-us Sun, 17 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT What is the Social Security 'Breakeven Age'? (And a Better Way to Calculate It) https://retirewiser.net/blog/social-security-breakeven-age https://retirewiser.net/blog/social-security-breakeven-age Understanding breakeven age calculations and why total lifetime value matters more than simple crossover points. Strategy Sun, 17 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT How Are Social Security Benefits Taxed? A Simple 2025 Guide https://retirewiser.net/blog/social-security-taxes-2025 https://retirewiser.net/blog/social-security-taxes-2025 Everything you need to know about Social Security taxation thresholds, combined income, and strategies to minimize taxes. Taxes Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT Understanding Social Security Spousal & Survivor Benefits https://retirewiser.net/blog/spousal-survivor-benefits https://retirewiser.net/blog/spousal-survivor-benefits Complete guide to claiming spousal and survivor benefits, including eligibility rules and optimization strategies. Benefits Sun, 03 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT What's the 2025 Social Security COLA Projection? https://retirewiser.net/blog/cola-projection-2025 https://retirewiser.net/blog/cola-projection-2025 Official 2025 COLA increase announced at 2.8%, plus what it means for your retirement planning. News Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT Should I Take Social Security at 62 and Invest It? (The Opportunity Cost) https://retirewiser.net/blog/take-at-62-and-invest https://retirewiser.net/blog/take-at-62-and-invest Analyzing the real math behind taking benefits early versus waiting, including investment returns and inflation. Strategy Sun, 20 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT How to Estimate Your Social Security Benefits (Understanding Your Statement) https://retirewiser.net/blog/estimate-your-benefits https://retirewiser.net/blog/estimate-your-benefits Complete guide to accessing and interpreting your Social Security statement, including what PIA means. Planning Sun, 13 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouses: What You Need to Know https://retirewiser.net/blog/divorced-spouse-benefits https://retirewiser.net/blog/divorced-spouse-benefits The 10-year rule, eligibility requirements, and how it doesn't impact your ex-spouse. Benefits Sun, 06 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT Working While Receiving Social Security: What Are the Earnings Limits? https://retirewiser.net/blog/working-while-receiving https://retirewiser.net/blog/working-while-receiving 2025 earnings limits, how benefits are withheld, and when they're repaid. Planning Sun, 29 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT Understanding the Social Security 'File and Suspend' Strategy (Is It Still Valid?) https://retirewiser.net/blog/file-and-suspend https://retirewiser.net/blog/file-and-suspend What happened to file and suspend and which strategies still work today. Strategy Sun, 22 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT What Happens to Social Security If You Die Early? (Survivor Benefits Explained) https://retirewiser.net/blog/survivor-benefits-explained https://retirewiser.net/blog/survivor-benefits-explained Who qualifies for survivor benefits, how much they receive, and special rules. Benefits Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT Social Security vs. 401(k) / IRA: Which Should You Prioritize for Retirement? https://retirewiser.net/blog/social-security-vs-401k https://retirewiser.net/blog/social-security-vs-401k Compare Social Security and personal retirement accounts and learn which to prioritize at different life stages. Planning Sun, 08 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT When to Claim Social Security if You Have a Pension https://retirewiser.net/blog/claiming-with-pension https://retirewiser.net/blog/claiming-with-pension How a pension influences your Social Security claiming strategy and coordination tactics. Strategy Mon, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT Retiring Early and Social Security: What Are the Long-Term Consequences? https://retirewiser.net/blog/retiring-early-consequences https://retirewiser.net/blog/retiring-early-consequences The pros and cons of claiming at 62 if you retire early, including reduced benefits and earnings limits. Planning Sun, 25 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT Social Security Trust Fund: Is it Running Out of Money? (Debunking Myths) https://retirewiser.net/blog/trust-fund-solvency https://retirewiser.net/blog/trust-fund-solvency Address common fears and explain the solvency projections and what happens if Congress doesn't act. News Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT The History of Social Security in the U.S.: Key Milestones and Changes https://retirewiser.net/blog/history-of-social-security https://retirewiser.net/blog/history-of-social-security A brief historical overview from the New Deal to modern challenges. History Sun, 11 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT Is Social Security in Crisis? Separating Fact from Fiction on its Future Solvency https://retirewiser.net/blog/social-security-crisis https://retirewiser.net/blog/social-security-crisis The truth about Social Security's financial status, trust fund projections, and what really happens in 2034. Analysis Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT How Politics (and the Economy) Indirectly Affect Your Social Security Benefits https://retirewiser.net/blog/politics-and-economy https://retirewiser.net/blog/politics-and-economy Understanding how economic policies impact COLA, wage growth, and trust fund revenue. Analysis Sun, 28 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT Decoding Social Security Reform Proposals: What Changes Are Actually Being Discussed? https://retirewiser.net/blog/reform-proposals https://retirewiser.net/blog/reform-proposals Understanding perpetual reform debates: means-testing, tax cap changes, COLA adjustments, and more. Policy Sun, 21 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT