Nov 04 How Social Security keeps divorcées and widows in the dark about their benefits By Laurence Kotlikoff Social Security cites misguided "privacy" restrictions, Larry Kotlikoff argues, for not sharing information about former spouses' earnings records with surviving and ex-spouses. Photo courtesy of Flickr user João Ferreira. Continue reading
Nov 04 How Social Security Keeps Divorcées and Widows in the Dark About Their Benefits By Laurence Kotlikoff By Larry Kotlikoff Social Security cites misguided "privacy" restrictions, Larry Kotlikoff argues, for not sharing information about former spouses' earnings records with surviving and ex-spouses. Photo courtesy of Flickr user João Ferreira. Larry Kotlikoff's Social Security original 34… Continue reading
Oct 28 When Social Security’s advisers get it wrong By Laurence Kotlikoff You can't always trust advice over the phone from Social Security's advisers. Ask to speak to a technical expert, advises Larry Kotlikoff, to be sure you're getting the correct information. Photo courtesy of JC Kole. Continue reading
Oct 21 Collecting on your ex’s Social Security: When and how? By Laurence Kotlikoff Even if you've been divorced for years, you may still benefit from a divorcée spousal benefit from your ex's work record. Social Security expert Larry Kotlikoff explains when and how to cross that path. Photo courtesy of Flickr user… Continue reading
Oct 14 When life partners should marry to benefit from Social Security By Laurence Kotlikoff Depending on your age and financial position, Social Security may reward you and your partner for finally tying the knot. Photo courtesy of flickr user terrellcwoods. Continue reading
Oct 07 Survivor and spousal benefits: How much? And when? By Laurence Kotlikoff Don't assume your spousal benefit will be based on the benefit your spouse receives, which could be more or less than his or her full retirement benefit. Photo by Siri Stafford/Getty Images. Continue reading
Jul 29 Ask Larry: Why I Advised a Terminal Cancer Patient Not To Take Social Security Right Away By Laurence Kotlikoff If you expect to die soon, taking benefits right away to maximize return on your contributions to the Social Security system could reduce the survivor benefits your spouse receives. Photo courtesy of Steve Cole/E+ via Getty. Larry Kotlikoff's Social… Continue reading
Jul 29 Ask Larry: Why I Advised a Terminal Cancer Patient Not To Take Social Security Right Away By Laurence Kotlikoff By Larry Kotlikoff If you expect to die soon, taking benefits right away to maximize return on your contributions to the Social Security system could reduce the survivor benefits your spouse receives. Photo courtesy of Steve Cole/E+ via Getty. Larry… Continue reading
Jul 22 Will There Be a Cost-of-Living Increase for Social Security Benefits This Year? If So, How Much? By Laurence Kotlikoff Social Security recipients should receive slightly higher benefits each year based on inflation. Photo courtesty of Creative Commons Flickr user 401(K) 2012. Larry Kotlikoff's Social Security original 34 "secrets", his additional secrets, his Social Security "mistakes" and… Continue reading
Jun 24 When It Might Actually Make Sense to Take Social Security Early By Laurence Kotlikoff It can make sense to start collecting Social Security before age 70 if there are dependent children who can benefit. Photo by Elizabeth Shell. Larry Kotlikoff's Social Security original 34 "secrets", his additional secrets, his Social Security… Continue reading