How claiming Social Security affects ACA health insurance depends on if there’s a cliff, and your household income before and after Social Security.
When to Claim Social Security: How Much Does It Matter, Anyway?
The best strategy for when to claim Social Security benefits resides in a wide zone. It doesn’t matter much when you choose a date within the zone.
2026 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
We project the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits next year under different scenarios. Retirees are better off with a lower COLA.
Calculator: How Much of My Social Security Benefits Is Taxable?
Use this online calculator to see how much of your Social Security benefits is taxable and how much of it is tax-free.
Social Security Is Still Taxed Under the New 2025 Trump Tax Law
The new 2025 Trump tax law doesn’t eliminate federal income tax on Social Security benefits. Social Security is still taxable just as before.
Roth Conversion with Social Security and Medicare IRMAA
A step-by-step walkthrough of how to estimate tax rates on Roth conversion with Social Security and Medicare IRMAA.
An Unusually High Marginal Tax Rate Means Paying Lower Taxes
An unusually high marginal tax rate isn’t a problem. You’re rewarded with paying lower taxes. You live on after-tax dollars, not rates.
Make Fewer Things Matter: My Epiphany From Cutting A Pineapple
Making fewer things matter helps you focus attention and ward off FOMO and sales pitches. You’ve made it when you can afford all the “mistakes.”
See Your Social Security Benefits Estimate In an Interactive Chart
Social Security Administration added an interactive chart in the online account but a third-party tool still does a much better job.
Retiring Early: Effect on Social Security Benefits
Retiring early means lower average earnings for calculating Social Security benefits. However, once you reach the second bend point, you aren’t losing much. I show you how to see when you will reach the second bend point.
Social Security Claiming Strategy Calculators Compared
I compared two free calculators for the optimal Social Security claiming strategy with hypothetical test cases. They both do a good job.
When To Claim Social Security Calculators
These free and paid online calculators will help you figure out when and how you should claim your Social Security benefits.