Tag: Social Security benefits

DON’T Claim Social Security Until You Understand This!

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on August 14, 2026.

Retired couple reviewing finances and Social Security survivor benefits

Most couples plan for Social Security based on their own lifespans. What age should I file? When do I break even? How much will I get each month? But when one spouse passes away, Social Security planning doesn’t stop. The surviving spouse may still rely on those benefits for the rest of their life. Let’s look at who is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, how much you can receive, when to claim, how survivor benefits work with your own Social Security benefit, and the mistakes that could cost you money over your lifetime.

2026 Social Security Increase! What’s the REAL Number?

Written by Sarah M on July 7, 2026.

The numbers are in for the new Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). It might seem like beneficiaries are getting a raise, but the increase may not feel as significant as many retirees expected. That’s because your Social Security COLA isn’t the only thing affecting the amount that actually lands in your bank account each month. Rising Medicare Part B premiums can offset a portion of that increase, leaving many retirees with a much smaller bump in their monthly checks.

Here is a closer look at how the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is calculated, why Medicare premiums matter, and whether today’s inflation measure accurately reflects what retirees are really experiencing.

5 Good Reasons You SHOULD CLAIM Social Security at 62!

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on June 15, 2026.

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the biggest retirement decisions you’ll make. Most people are told to wait as long as possible before claiming Social Security. In fact, delaying benefits until age 70 is often considered the default retirement strategy. But what if that’s actually the wrong move? For millions of retirees, especially married couples, waiting isn’t always the best option.

6 Social Security Mistakes You Should AVOID. Here’s How!

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on May 14, 2026.

A lot of people think Social Security advice is one-size-fits-all. But even one mistake can cost you thousands of dollars over the course of retirement. It’s important to have a Social Security strategy built around your situation, not just general advice. Here are five of the most common Social Security mistakes people make.

Can I Take Social Security While Working?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on October 15, 2025.

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.