Ask Rusty
Ask Rusty – I’m Working; Why Hasn’t My Social Security Benefit Increased?
Dear Rusty: I will be 72 in July. I started taking my Social Security at age 64 after a job loss and other items that came up. So, my plan to wait past 68 evaporated, but I have continued to work since that time at a considerably smaller amount. I have contacted Social Security about…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – About Payroll Tax and Income Tax on Social Security
Dear Rusty: Is it possible for you to go over how the Federal withholding tax is computed on Social Security benefits? Signed: Curious Taxpayer. Dear Curious: I’m not sure if you’re asking about how FICA (or self-employment) tax on your earnings from work is determined, or if you’re asking about how much income tax to…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Please Help Us With Social Security Planning
Dear Rusty: Would you please advise on my wife and my Social Security planning? I’m 69 & 2 months, my wife is 66 & 2 months, so we both hit full retirement age. We both plan on starting to take SS next month. My benefit would be about $3,300 per month, and my wife’s benefit…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – I’m Confused About Taking Medicare And Social Security
Dear Rusty: I just turned 64 and now get stuff about Medicare and Medigap and so on. I really don’t know how to retire when it’s time. What should I do? What am I looking for? Am I eligible for anything as of now? I’m so confused about all this that I don’t even know…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – About Survivor Benefits for Minor Children
Dear Rusty: My nephew died suddenly at 50 years of age and left 2 children, ages 17 and 14. He was divorced, but they were married for more than 10 years, and his ex-wife works as a nurse. My nephew worked for more than 10 years during his lifetime. I want to know if the…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Swiss Immigrant Asks About Spouse Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am originally from Switzerland. I moved to the States, got married in 2012, and became a US Citizen in 2016. I never worked in the United States but have 44 years of Social Security contribution in Switzerland and have received a pension from there since I turned 62 (I’m now 64). Is…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Do Medicare Part A and B Backup My Medicare Advantage Plan?
Dear Rusty: I was told that I can use Medicare Parts A and B as secondary coverage to my Medicare Advantage plan. Is that true? Signed: Puzzled Dear Puzzled: Many do not understand how the various parts of Medicare work, and especially how or if “original Medicare” (Medicare Part A and Part B) interacts with…
Read More