Posts
Multiple Ex-Spouses: Can You Choose Which Record to Claim On?
Married more than once? You may be able to choose the highest benefit. The Answer: Yes If you were married 10+ years to multiple people, you are effectively “double insured.”…
The “Consultant” Trap: Self-Employment, Hours Worked, and the Earnings Test
Retiring to become a consultant? Social Security looks at Hours Worked, not just income. The “Substantial Services” Rule If you work more than 45 hours a month (or 15 hours…
Remarrying After 60: The One Rule You Must Know
Finding love later in life is wonderful. But check your birth certificate. Remarrying before 60 forfeits survivor benefits. The Golden Rule: Age 60 Wait until after 60 to remarry, and…
Capital Gains Surprise: Selling Your Home and the IRMAA Cliff
Planning to downsize? The capital gains from selling your home could trigger a massive Medicare surcharge two years later. The IRMAA Cliff Any profit above the exclusion ($250k/$500k) counts as…
“My Neighbor Gets $4,000 a Month. Why Don’t I?” (Understanding the Formula)
Comparison is the thief of joy. If your neighbor gets more, it’s due to the PIA formula. 1. It’s an Average Social Security averages your highest 35 years. One bad…
The “Bridge” Strategy: Using Your 401(k) to Buy a Higher Social Security Check
If you retire at 64 but delay Social Security until 70, how do you fill the gap? Use your 401(k) as a Bridge. Buying an Annuity from the Government Spending…
Independence Day Special: Declaring Independence from the “Default” Plan
Happy Independence Day. Let’s declare freedom from “The Default Plan” (retiring at 62 just because everyone else does). Why the Default Plan Fails Filing early locks you into a low…
The “Halftime” Review: 5 Things to Check Before Year-End
It’s July 1st. Smart retirees do a “Halftime Review” now to avoid December panic. The 5-Point Checklist Check Earnings (are you over the limit?) Project RMDs Review Capital Gains (IRMAA…
Mid-Year Inflation Check: Is Your COLA Keeping Up?
We are six months into 2026. Is your COLA keeping up with real prices? Retirees spend more on healthcare, which rises faster than standard inflation. The Purchasing Power Gap If…
Social Security for Men: Why Your Filing Date Is a “Husband’s Duty”
Happy Father’s Day week. Men, if you are the higher earner, your Social Security check isn’t really for you. It’s for your wife. The Grim Statistics Men have shorter life…
Can I Claim My Ex’s Benefit If They Are Still Working?
You are 66. Your ex is 66 and still working. Can you claim? Yes. The “Working Ex” Loophole Because you are divorced 2+ years, the SSA treats you differently than…
Gray Divorce: Navigating Social Security When You Split Up After 50
Divorcing later in life (“Gray Divorce”) poses unique risks. You can’t split Social Security in a settlement, but you can claim on your ex’s record. The Strategy Shift If you…
