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A Mixed Bag Jul. 04, 2018
Usually, I like to focus my column around one topic. But today I'll just open up my email inbox and ... Read More
Keep the Money. It's Bennies I Want. Jun. 28, 2018
Your salary is miniscule. Raises are few and far between. Promotions are out of the question. But as... Read More
Men Ask About Widow's Benefits Jun. 20, 2018
I get lots of questions about widow's benefits. And surprisingly, most of them come from men concern... Read More
The Basics of Applying for Social Security Benefits Jun. 13, 2018
I've saved up a bunch of questions that have to do with applying for various kinds of Social Securit... Read More
Top Five Social Security Myths Jun. 06, 2018
It's time for me to dust off and update a column I write every five years or so about Social Securit... Read More
Draining the Food Stamp Swamp May. 09, 2018
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is high on the Republican list of programs targeted fo... Read More
Sometimes the Government Giveth and Then Taketh Away May. 02, 2018
Q: I am 66 years old, and I get my own small Social Security retirement benefit. Because it is so sm... Read More
The Financial Side of Remarrying Later in Life Apr. 18, 2018
Dear Carrie: I am a 65-year-old widow and am considering getting married again. What financial step... Read More
When in Doubt, Always File a Claim Mar. 28, 2018
Q: I want to thank you so much for helping me out. A few months ago, I gave you the particulars of o... Read More
Trump's Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Mar. 14, 2018
There are a couple of important economic lessons that the American people should learn. I'm going to... Read More
The 'Three-Legged Stool' Is a Bit Wobbly Mar. 14, 2018
I'm sure most people reading this column have heard the term, "the three-legged stool." That refers ... Read More
Observant Reader Notices Fluke in COLA Payments Mar. 07, 2018
Q: The recent cost-of-living adjustment to our Social Security checks got me wondering about somethi... Read More
Inspector General's Report Causes Confusion for Widows Feb. 28, 2018
The inspector general for the Social Security Administration recently released a report that was wel... Read More
'Notch Babies' Now Reaching Century Mark -- and They Are Still Mad! Feb. 21, 2018
There is a group of very old people out there who, for decades now, has been misled into believing t... Read More
Working While Getting Disability Benefits Feb. 14, 2018
Q: I am 57 years old and getting Social Security disability benefits. I understand I can work and ma... Read More
I'm a Hit with the Ladies! Feb. 07, 2018
Don't tell my wife, but if my inbox is any indication, I'm a big hit with the ladies! I have a hunch... Read More
More Questions About Benefit Start Dates Jan. 31, 2018
Q: I will be turning 70 in July 2018. I wanted to delay starting my Social Security benefits until t... Read More
Turning 66 in 2018? Consider Filing for Benefits This Month Jan. 03, 2018
I write a column similar to this one every January. But I don't mind plagiarizing myself because it ... Read More
My Christmas Wish List for Social Security Dec. 20, 2017
Dear Santa, I've been a good kid this year. Well, I've occasionally been naughty. For example, I was... Read More
An Open Letter to President Trump With a Christmas Gift Idea Dec. 13, 2017
Dear Mr. President, I hear that your presidency is off to a rocky start. That swamp you said you'd d... Read More
