Example Cases to Check out Social Security decisions for married couples are best approached step-by-step. Then the rules make more sense. There are several “behind-the-scenes” calculations that you don’t see on your statements. Different options are compared to see if either spouse will be eligible for a spousal benefit. At the end of the process, each spouse will receive … [Read more...] about Social Security for Married Couples – Part 2
Social Security for Married Couples
Key information and a checklist before you claim Are you happily married today? You’ll probably need to keep that in mind when you sit down to figure out your Social Security claiming strategy. There may be a healthy debate over who will claim first. And it may be hard to consider how your decision could affect your spouse after you die. Not such a pleasant topic. But super … [Read more...] about Social Security for Married Couples
Mantell Retirement Consulting Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Much has changed in retirement from 2005 to 2025 It is wild to think that I started my independent consulting business 20 years ago this month. Frankly, I can’t believe it. On the one hand, it seems like just yesterday that I was setting up my office in the basement of my house. On the other hand, there is such a rich and wonderful history of clients and projects that I … [Read more...] about Mantell Retirement Consulting Celebrates 20th Anniversary
2025 Social Security Trustees Report—Impact of a 23% Cut in Your Benefits
On June 18, 2025, the new troop of Social Security trustees released the 2025 Social Security Trustees Report. This annual requirement reports the health of four critical social safety net trust funds managed by the trustees. The four are OASI, DI, HI, and SMI. For retirement, the most important trust fund is OASI—Old Age and Survivors Insurance. This year’s report projects the … [Read more...] about 2025 Social Security Trustees Report—Impact of a 23% Cut in Your Benefits
Are You Creating Your Medicare Recipe?
“Medicare” is not a single insurance plan for retirement Have you started looking into the complex world that is Medicare? The only health insurance for those 65 and older who are no longer on a large employer’s health plan? To say it’s a challenge is an understatement. It’s more like a total shock to the system. Regardless of your education or successful career, Medicare … [Read more...] about Are You Creating Your Medicare Recipe?
