Saved by the Bell

This week’s budget deal (Section 831) that was agreed between Congress and the White House will significantly impact Social Security benefits. In particular, it affects spousal and dependent benefits related strategies, namely File and Suspend and Restricted option. While some language in the new rules needs to be interpreted, and policies and processes at the […]

What is the Best Option Available?

As we talk to people in our state, we hear many frustrated people make the following comments like….okay then, we will both just wait until 70 and file for Social Security to get the best benefit we can. You would think this sounds good if you have the resources. But, actually, waiting until 70 may […]

“Clueless” About Social Security

Roy and I just returned from a conference in Bay St. Louis hosted by MAPA (Mississippi Association of Personnel Administrators). We met so many interesting people who are eager to learn about the true benefits available through Social Security analysis. Glad we were invited to attend this year. When you talk with hundreds of people […]

Women and Social Security

Every week we read new statistics about women – their increasing share of the nation’s wealth, escalating numbers as heads of households, higher rates of college enrollments, significantly higher percentage of buying power, and increasing majority in many of the higher income professions. The financial world has historically been one of the most male dominated […]

What Truly is Fair?

One of our clients had a situation that was worthy of discussion. As you may or may not know, your Social Security benefit is your story….yours alone; it is based on your top 35 years of earnings. You may be entitled to improve your benefit based on certain filing strategies, but that is a long […]

Tax Season/Social Security Season

Now that you all have received your W-2’s it is time to start thinking about your tax returns. Roy is a C.P.A. and use to be a Tax Partner, so I know from previous experience, what that means. The kids and I use to leave town for Grandma’s on March 15th, and return home on […]

Chicken Salad and Social Security

I was making chicken salad this week and it had for me a unique likeness to Social Security – you may be thinking I have lost my mind, but stay with me. Most everyone puts mayonnaise in their chicken salad, but the other ingredients are a mile long, depending on your favorite recipe. For me, […]

Individually vs. Collectively

It seems impossible that we have been writing these articles for over a year now. So many great comments and questions have come as a result. Diane will be hosting a seminar on June 23rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Brandon Library, for Ladies Only. The reason for this seminar is that we are seeing […]

Unless You Ask, You Won’t Receive

Roy and I just returned from Florida where we presented several Social Security seminars. One of the things that continues to amaze us, are the number of people that have already claimed their benefits, are confused about their choices, and are not really sure why they did what they did. Considering the fact that Social […]

9 to 5

Hopefully you now have your Social Security statement and have reviewed your 35 years of earnings. It is time to start looking at a start time for benefits……especially for couples, coordinating their start times will provide many opportunities to boost cumulative lifetime income. Before you do that, let’s discuss work and earnings limits while drawing […]