Author: Russell Settle
Can My Wife Claim Social Security Spousal Benefits When I Retire?
Russell Settle on June 4, 2020
This week’s question underscores how asking for a little help can put more money in your pocket.
Does It Really Matter When I Claim Social Security Benefits?
Russell Settle on May 21, 2020
Some people say it doesn’t matter at what age you decide to claim. They are wrong.
What Happens to My Spouse If I Die Before Claiming Social Security?
Russell Settle on May 7, 2020
It’s important to think about survivor’s benefits before deciding when to claim Social Security.
Will This Retirement Perk Ruin My Social Security Spousal Benefit?
Russell Settle on March 15, 2020
An unsparing provision might strip a woman of her spousal benefit.
Can I Piggyback on My Ex-Wife’s Social Security Benefit?
Russell Settle on February 20, 2020
Being divorced has some advantages when it comes to claiming Social Security benefits.
Why Is My Pension Killing My Social Security Benefit?
Russell Settle on January 26, 2020
A reader says the government is penalizing him for having a pension. Is he right?
Can My Wife Use My Social Security Benefits While Letting Hers Grow?
Russell Settle on December 12, 2019
Your self-discipline in not uttering three little words helps determine whether you can use a key claiming strategy.
When Should I Collect Social Security Survivor’s Benefits?
Russell Settle on November 7, 2019
Grabbing benefits earlier can make sense — but you’ll pay a price.
If My Spouse Waits Till Age 70 to Claim Social Security, Will It Help Me?
Russell Settle on October 3, 2019
Making decisions about Social Security often becomes a two-person affair.
Will Claiming Half My Wife’s Social Security Benefit Cost Her Money?
Russell Settle on September 12, 2019
Even experts can make mistakes when mapping Social Security options.
Social Security Q&A: Can I Make a Claim on My Ex’s Benefits?
Russell Settle on July 11, 2019
Has there been a divorce in your past? You may be able to claim benefits on your ex’s Social Security.
How Can My Spouse Squeeze the Most From Her Social Security Benefits?
Russell Settle on June 27, 2019
Trying to get the biggest benefit possible? Early claiming can complicate matters.
How Long Must I Wait for My Full Social Security Survivor’s Benefit?
Russell Settle on June 13, 2019
Waiting a little while to claim your benefit can pay off handsomely for years to come.
Social Security Q&A: Is There a Cap on the Benefits My Family Can Earn?
Russell Settle on May 16, 2019
An odd quirk in a Social Security formula favors higher-benefit families over lower-benefit families.
Social Security Q&A: How Much of My Spouse’s Benefit Can I Get?
Russell Settle on April 4, 2019
A little rule with a funny name can have a big impact on your Social Security benefits.
Social Security Q&A: Can I Get Survivor’s Benefits If My Spouse Died Young?
Russell Settle on March 21, 2019
You might be able to collect survivor’s benefits even if your spouse dies before the age of 62. But you must meet a couple of key conditions.
Social Security Q&A: Can Avoiding Marriage Boost Our Benefit?
Russell Settle on March 7, 2019
Saying “I do” can have both positive and negative impacts on the size of your monthly Social Security payment.
Social Security Q&A: Should My Spouse Claim Early?
Russell Settle on February 21, 2019
A reader asks whether his wife should start her benefit early, then switch to a spousal benefit after he retires. The answer might surprise you.
What’s the Windfall Elimination Provision?
Russell Settle on February 7, 2019
If you work for any governmental employer that doesn’t withhold Social Security, you may be subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision. Here’s how it works.
Social Security Q&A: Can I Apply for Spousal Benefits at Age 80?
Russell Settle on January 24, 2019
What happens if you wait until you’re older to apply for Social Security spousal or widow’s benefits?
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