Mar 30 Why shouldn't I take Social Security early so I can enjoy my retirement? By Laurence Kotlikoff One reader writes that he and his wife can start collecting Social Security earlier than age 70, as Social Security expert Larry Kotlikoff discourages, with a very small downside for the long term. But today, Larry urges him to reconsider… Continue reading
Mar 23 Why maximizing your Social Security won't bankrupt the system By Laurence Kotlikoff Social Security expert Larry Kotlikoff has repeatedly warned that the Social Security system is underfunded. Why then does his new best-selling book tell readers how to collect as much as possible in benefits? Perhaps surprisingly, he explains, most of the… Continue reading
Mar 17 Watch 7:59 Between student debt and part-time work, what Millennials should do now to save for retirement By PBS News Hour Continue watching
Mar 16 Am I receiving extra Social Security credit for my military service? By Laurence Kotlikoff Social Security expert Larry Kotlikoff clarifies which veterans are eligible for "special extra earnings" from Social Security for their military service and explains how to check if they're receiving those extra credits on their records. Continue reading
Mar 14 Report: Social security numbers active for 6.5 million people aged 112 By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Nearly 67,000 of the Social Security numbers were used to report more than $3 billion in wages, tips and self-employment income from 2006 to 2011, according to the report. One Social Security number was used 613 different times. Continue reading
Mar 11 I can get my Social Security abroad, so why not my Medicare? By Philip Moeller If health care costs are lower in other countries, wouldn't Medicare save money by allowing beneficiaries to receive medical care overseas? Making Sen$e Medicare columnist Phil Moeller gets lots of questions from retirees hoping to receive Medicare abroad the same… Continue reading
Mar 09 Your relationship means nothing to Social Security unless you're married By Laurence Kotlikoff Marriage is the only way to validate a relationship before the Social Security Administration. Even if a couple has raised children together and one partner dies, Social Security does not consider the other partner eligible for the late partner's widow(er)'s… Continue reading
Mar 04 Why are my health insurance premiums going up and up? By Philip Moeller A reader's insurance agent says that everyone's premiums are going up. But the reader wonders if he could be spending less. Making Sen$e Medicare Maven Phil Moeller tells him what to look for. Continue reading
Mar 02 Spousal benefits, you say? Does age difference matter? By Laurence Kotlikoff Many readers this week were curious about the file-and-suspend and spousal benefit strategies that Larry Kotlikoff details in his new book, "Get What's Yours: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security."… Continue reading
Feb 26 Watch 7:00 Tricks and tips for getting the most from Social Security By PBS News Hour The longer you wait before cashing in on Social Security benefits, the greater the financial reward. But many don’t wait until age 70. There’s a range of loopholes and “secrets” that can improve your benefits, a fact economics correspondent Paul… Continue watching