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May 17, 2025
By
The Admiral Staff
A reader approaching 65 is concerned about affording Medicare Part B and asks if taking Social Security now, with deductions for Medicare, is better than waiting. Experts advise that while filing for Social Security before full retirement age (66 and 7/8) will reduce monthly payments, prioritizing healthcare needs or financial stability outweighs maximizing benefits. Social Security budgets for lifetime payments, so early filing simply spreads the total amount over a longer period. Alternatives for lowering Medicare costs are also available at Medicare.gov.
May 13, 2025
By
The Admiral Staff
If you remarry after age 60 (or 50 if disabled) and were married to your deceased spouse for at least 10 years, you may be able to continue receiving survivor benefits from their Social Security account while also receiving spousal benefits from your new spouse’s account. The total benefits received would equal the higher of the two amounts, and you can switch to your own retirement benefits between ages 62 and 70 if they are higher.
November 29, 2024
By
The Admiral Staff
A recent University of Pennsylvania study surveyed nearly 1,800 older Americans about their biggest financial regrets. The top five regrets were: not saving enough for retirement (57%), not purchasing long-term care insurance (40%), not working longer (37%), not investing in an annuity (33%), and claiming Social Security too early (23%). The article suggests learning from these regrets and taking action now to improve financial security, such as maximizing retirement savings, considering long-term
November 5, 2024
By
The Admiral Staff
A reader asks if they can collect half of their ex-wife’s Social Security benefits, and if their ex could claim half of theirs. The expert clarifies that Social Security benefits are not taken from one person’s check and given to another. Spouses or former spouses may qualify for benefits based on their ex’s earnings record, but only if certain requirements are met (marriage lasting 10 years, divorced for over two years, and not currently remarried). The maximum spousal benefit
August 27, 2024
By
The Admiral Staff
Social Security doesn’t have individual accounts, but payroll taxes fund a trust from which benefits are paid. If you die, your payments stop, but survivor benefits may be available to qualifying family members. These benefits are based on your work record and aren’t “taking” your Social Security. Eligible survivors include: spouses (married at least nine months), ex-spouses (married at least 10 years and divorced for two), minor children, adult children with disabilities, and dependent parents (
