Social Security

Social Security COLA 2027 Estimate: Biggest Raise Since 2023

The 2027 estimate stands at 3.5% to 3.6%. See how much your check will grow and plan for Medicare Open Enrollment.

Average Social Security Check by Age: 2026 SSA Data

See how your Social Security check compares to retirees your age, using the SSA’s newest 2026 data, and what the average leaves out.

Social Security Benefit Cuts? What the Latest Projections Show

Social Security benefit cuts are a real risk but not certain. Here’s what projections show, and how to plan your retirement accordingly.

How to Apply for Social Security: 5 Steps, One Big Decision

Applying takes 15 minutes. Deciding when to start pays off far more, and it’s permanent. Here’s the 5-step process, plus what to weigh first.

Social Security Breakeven Calculator: Compare Claiming Ages

Deciding when to claim Social Security can feel like a one-shot decision with no do-over, but the math behind it is clear enough to work through. Enter your bir…

Do Social Security Benefits Change When You Stop Working?

Social Security uses your top 35 earning years. Stop early and your projected benefit gets cut. Here’s what the math shows.

Living on Social Security Alone: 11 Strategies for Making It Work

The average Social Security benefit for retired workers is $2,071 a month. Millions of retirees live on that. Here’s where to start.

Social Security and Medicare Mistakes That Can Cost You for Life

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage, Social Security timing, and the enrollment errors that follow you permanently.

Social Security Optimization Strategies: 15 Tips to Maximize Your Benefits

Delaying Social Security to 70 can add $100,000+ in lifetime benefits. These are the planning strategies that make the biggest difference.

Spousal Benefits: Learn How to Make the Most of Social Security if You Are Married

As you approach retirement, understanding spousal benefits can empower both you and your partner to make well-informed decisions.

Social Security: Surprising Insights on How the Program’s Advantages Differ Depending on Income and Wealth

Discover how Social Security and wealth interact — and why the program plays a different role depending on your income and resources.

How to Qualify for the Highest Social Security Benefit Possible

What’s the highest Social Security benefit? Will you qualify? Get easy answers for a wealthier retirement.

Five Reasons to Take Social Security Early

Thinking about claiming benefits early? Here are five reasons to take Social Security early—and how to decide if it’s right for you.

Your Social Security Statement Has a New Design and Better Information: But Accessing it Requires a New Hurdle

The SSA has released a new format for your Social Security statement and logging on to see it requires a new account.

The Social Security Fairness Act: Are Your Benefits Impacted?

Learn about the Social Security Fairness Act, new legislation that restores benefits to public service workers.

Social Security and Working: Everything You Need to Know

Here is what you need to know about Social Security and working: taxes, penalties, when to start benefits, and when to stop work.

What You Need to Know About Social Security and Taxes

Yes. You might pay taxes on Social Security. Learn what to expect (federal, state and work penalties) and explore ways to reduce the expense.

6 Insider Tips for Getting the Most from Social Security

Mary Beth Franklin is a nationally recognized expert in Social Security. Get her 6 insider tips for getting the most from Social Security.

Full Retirement Age: Is it the Best Time to Start Social Security Benefits?

Your benefits are determined by your Full Retirement Age (FRA), your benefit amount and FRA and the age when you decide to start benefits.

Podcast: Mike Piper — Social Security and Tax-Efficient Retirement Planning

Steve and Mike discuss Social Security planning, Roth conversions, and retirement account distributions.

Social Security Leveling: What is It? Is it Better than a Traditional Pension Payout Option?

Changes Coming to Social Security & Medicare: Small COLA and 6 Other New Developments for 2021

To say that Social Security and Medicare are important to the financial well being of seniors would be an understatement. Sixty-two percent of eligible benefici…

Delay Collecting Social Security and Your Finances Will Win Big

You need to make a lot of choices in retirement.  Many people tout the benefits of investing in real estate.  However, there is a less glamorous way to use your…

Podcast: Mary Beth Franklin on Avoiding Big Social Security Claiming Mistakes

Episode 10 of the Boldin podcast is an interview with Mary Beth Franklin.  Mary Beth is a nationally recognized expert in Social Security claiming strategies.…