Social Security

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

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

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

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

Delaying Social Security to 70 can add $100,000 or more in lifetime benefits. Here are the 15 strategies that make the biggest difference.

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

The Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will be 2.8%. Is it enough? Do you need to update your plan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, you can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time.

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

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 beneficiaries rely on Social Security income for more than half of their income. And almost everyone who is eligible uses Medicare to help fund their healthcare after 65. Here are the […]

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 money for better returns.  Delay collecting Social Security and your finances will win big. Money Spent to Delay Social Security Beats Buying Real Estate There […]

An important study from the Boston College Center for Retirement Research has found that husbands ignore (maybe overlook or under think) their wife’s retirement income needs when making decisions about when to start Social Security benefits. Widows (and widowers) are entitled to switch to Social Security Survivor benefits and receive their spouse’s full benefit amount […]

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.  In fact, she literally wrote the book (“Maximizing Your Clients’ Social Security Retirement Benefits,”) that retirement planning experts use to advise clients on Social Security. Listen to find out why […]