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What is IRMAA? How to Avoid Medicare Premium Surcharges in 2025

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

couple learning about IRMAA Medicare Premiums

Have you heard of IRMAA Medicare premiums? Did you know the Social Security Administration can charge you more for your Medicare premiums if you make over a certain amount of money? It surprises a lot of people. Especially new retirees who suddenly see a higher Medicare bill. 

We’re covering everything you need to know about IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), including how it affects your Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) premiums. Even better? Learn how you can potentially appeal IRMAA and pay significantly less or nothing, depending on how much you’re making in retirement. 

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Can I Take Social Security While Working?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

Can I take social security while working

Did you know you could end up owing thousands of dollars back to Social Security, even if you’ve already received the money? Sounds crazy, right? But it’s true. There’s one rule that catches a lot of people off guard. The Social Security earnings test. It’s one of the most misunderstood parts of Social Security. If you plan to keep working while collecting benefits, you need to know how it works. 

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The Secret Social Security Benefit Most Divorced People Miss

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

Learn about about Social Security divorced spouse benefits

Are you divorced and wondering if you can still get Social Security benefits from your ex? You probably can, and in most cases, they don’t even have to know about it. Social Security divorced spouse benefits don’t require your ex’s consent. This is one of the most misunderstood parts of Social Security. People are letting thousands of dollars go unclaimed because they don’t understand the rules. 

Reports show more than 4 in 10 Americans nearing retirement age do not know they can collect Social Security benefits for divorced spouses based on their ex-spouse’s earnings (AARP). Don’t leave money on the table. Being divorced doesn’t automatically rule out Social Security spousal benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the most common questions about divorce spousal benefits. Learn who is eligible, how much you might receive, what happens if you remarry, and how you can apply.

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WHAT You Need to Know About RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS EXPLAINED!

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

Learn the essentials of restricted stock units management, including taxation, vesting schedules, and strategies to sell or hold your shares effectively.

Restricted stock units (RSUs) are a common form of compensation offered by employers, especially publicly traded companies. If you’re receiving RSUs as part of your compensation, understanding how they work and how they affect your financial plan is crucial. From taxation to vesting schedules, RSUs come with a unique set of considerations that can influence both your income and investment strategy.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about RSUs, including key terms, tax implications, and strategies for managing this type of compensation effectively.

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Maximize Your Social Security Benefit – Explained

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

Explore Social Security benefits planning, including eligibility, spousal benefits, and strategies to decide when to file for maximum impact.

Are you starting to receive notices about Social Security and wondering when to file or how much you’ll actually receive? Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement income, but navigating its complexities can be challenging. From understanding how your benefits are calculated to deciding the best time to claim, making informed decisions is essential to maximize what you receive.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about Social Security, including qualification requirements, benefit calculations, key terms, spousal and survivor benefits, and important considerations for filing based on your circumstances.

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Savvy Strategies to Help Maximize Your Social Security Benefits

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

Discover essential strategies to help maximize your Social Security benefits and strengthen your retirement.

Tips to Help Make the Most of Your Benefits and Boost Your Retirement Income

Did you know that, when Social Security was introduced in 1935, it was never meant to serve as a primary source of income in retirement? Rather, it was meant as a safety net for retirees who were lacking sufficient savings. However, in today’s economic landscape, attitudes around Social Security have dramatically changed and too many retirees are overly reliant on these benefits. In fact, Social Security benefits this year represented around 30% of retirees’ income. As you consider your own retirement income plan, remember that you’ll likely need more than one source of income. However, we believe it’s also critical to have a strategy for maximizing your Social Security benefits, and that’s what we’re discussing in this article.

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Social Security Taxes Will Rise Higher than Benefits in 2021: Are You Prepared?

Written by Jeff Diamond on .

social security taxes
Learn How These Changes Will Impact Your Financial Security

Each year, the Social Security Administration announces important numbers that impact both workers and retirees. In October, new wage base and benefit information for 2021 was released and it means a significantly larger tax bill for nearly 12 million high-earning workers. Why? Let’s dig into the numbers for both taxes and benefits below.

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