The Third Rail is Running Out of Track
The author says that the day of reckoning is fast approaching for Social Security.
Social Security
Stay informed on Social Security updates that affect federal employees and retirees, especially those covered under FERS. Explore news and analysis on Social Security COLAs, benefit calculations, earnings limits, claiming strategies, and policy changes that influence retirement income. Find clear explanations of how Social Security integrates with FERS benefits, the FERS supplement, and long‑term financial planning. Keep up with legislative developments, inflation trends, and key rules that shape Social Security benefits for federal retirees.
Social Security Solvent Until 2033
According to the 2014 Social Security Board of Trustees annual report, the projected point at which the combined trust fund reserves will become depleted comes in 2033 with 77 percent of benefits still payable at that time.
The Risks of Privatizing Social Security
The author says that the notion of privatizing Social Security will not improve the financial prospects of the program.
Calculating the 2015 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
How much will inflation add to the amount added to your retirement annuity or Social Security payment in 2015? We will not know until sometime in October but here are the latest calculations.
Legislation Proposes Social Security Enhancements
Senators Mark Begich (D-AK) and Patty Murray (D-WA) have introduced legislation designed to strengthen the Social Security program in several ways.
Suspending Social Security Benefits
I’m 67 years old and I’ve been receiving benefits since I was 66. I’m working part time and want to suspend these benefits; however the SSA office told me I could have done this before I turned 67, but not now. Could they be incorrect?
How Do You Calculate Your Social Security Supplement?
How do you calculate your social security supplement?
Going in the Wrong Direction
Americans face a growing risk that they will outlive their savings during retirement. The author says that the proposals to address this risk are wrong.
Social Security and CSRS Earnings
In calculating the 35 highest earnings years for WEP and Social Security, indexed for inflation, does that include the earnings that a CSRS retiree earned while employed in their federal positions?
Drawbacks to Marco Rubio’s Social Security Proposals
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) outlined a number of reforms for Social Security in a speech this week. The author says that while well intentioned, Rubio’s proposals would actually make Social Security less solvent.
