Tax season always brings about a bit of panic, as those who are getting Social Security benefits may be filing their first return since they started receiving payments. These payments, while a welcome addition to their financial support system, can feel uncertain (or even a bit burdensome) as the issue of tax liability comes to…

Retirees who are entitled to a government pension can have an unpleasant surprise waiting for them when they apply for their Social Security benefits. Two different Social Security provisions for retired government workers—the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision—can reduce the amount of your Social Security benefit checks. If you are eligible for…

For retirees who wait until after their full retirement age before filing for benefits, a little-known Social Security claiming strategy can potentially offer them a lump sum of up to six-months’ worth of retroactive benefits—which can be a boon for any retiree who might need a sudden injection of cash. Here’s what you need to…

With so many changes happening to the tax code and how retirement benefits are treated, it can be easy to lose sight of the latest happening with Social Security. What new rules have been implemented? Are there important loopholes that might affect you? While the full impact of the new regulations remains to be seen,…

How much do you think about the security of your Social Security number? All of your life, you’ve been told to keep it secret and safe. However, it’s often requested during life’s everyday moments, such as when you visit the doctor, open a bank account, or start a new job. Data Safety Is in Question…

It’s common to associate Social Security benefits with our comfort and peace of mind in retirement, but there’s another little-known aspect to the program. The Social Security Representative Payee program is a useful tool for anyone who cares for a loved one who are unable to manage their own retirement, spousal, child, parent, or disability…