Retirement & Social Security Planning

03/14/2025

Social Security Overpayment
As of March 27, the agency will begin mailing notices about the new 100 percent withholding rate, rather than the recent adjustment of just 10 percent.

WHAT CAN CAUSE AN OVERPAYMENT?
Your income is more than you estimated.

Your living situation changes.

Your marital status changes.

You have more resources than the allowable limit.

You are no longer disabled and continue to receive benefits.

You do not report a change to us (on time or at all) as required.

We incorrectly figure your benefits because of incorrect or incomplete information.

https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-to-reinstate-overpayment-recovery-rate/ #:~:text=Last%20Updated%3A%20March%207%2C%202025,of%20a%20person's%20monthly%20benefit.

03/14/2025

https://theocasiogroup.com/6-tips-for-building-a-retirement-budget/

Building a retirement budget is critical to working toward an independent and stress-free life after leaving the workforce. Creating this budget can positively impact one’s lifestyle, provide confidence and control over one’s money, and safeguard against potential financial pitfalls. Here are th...

03/12/2025

Recent reports in the media that Social Security plans to eliminate telephone services are inaccurate.

SSA is increasing its protection for America’s seniors and other beneficiaries by eliminating the risk of fraud associated with changing bank account information by telephone.

Press Release
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
For Immediate Release
Mark Hinkle, Press Officer
[email protected]
Correcting the Record about Social Security Direct Deposit and Telephone Services
Recent reports in the media that Social Security plans to eliminate telephone services are inaccurate. SSA is increasing its protection for America’s seniors and other beneficiaries by eliminating the risk of fraud associated with changing bank account information by telephone.

SSA continuously investigates and analyzes potential threats to strengthen and secure our programs and protect people who receive benefits. Approximately 40 percent of Social Security direct deposit fraud is associated with someone calling SSA to change direct deposit bank information. SSA’s current protocol of simply asking identifying questions by telephone is no longer enough to prevent fraud.

If someone needs to change their bank account information on SSA’s record, they will need to either:

Use two-factor authentication with SSA’s “my Social Security” service; or
Visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity.
These methods align with most major banks.

All other SSA telephone services remain unchanged.

02/11/2025

When and how to file for Social Security is one of the most critical decisions one will make regarding retirement. Watch the video to find out why.

02/09/2025

https://blog.ssa.gov/get-your-social-security-benefit-statement-ssa-1099-3/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Tax season is here, and we’ve made replacing your annual Benefit Statement easier. There’s no need to wait on the phone or make an appointment to visit a Social Security office.

02/03/2025

Update: The earnings limit for workers younger than full retirement age in 2025 is $23,400
The earnings limit for people reaching full retirement age in 2025 is $62,160
In 2025, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax is $176,100

Did You Know That Returning To Work After Full Retirement Age Could Increase Your Social Security Benefits? But Beware of Tax Considerations

01/20/2025

Spousal & Divorced Social Security Benefits

01/15/2025

Social Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) update

Social Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) update

01/13/2025

https://theocasiogroup.com/how-to-protect-your-retirement-savings-from-unexpected-healthcare-costs/

One of the major concerns people have when planning their retirement is how to protect their retirement savings from unforeseen medical expenses. Healthcare costs have steadily risen, but adequate planning can help maintain these costs in retirement. This article outlines a few strategies to help sh...

01/06/2025

https://apple.news/ADCT5ojDCR-iGnJmhtxJHtQ

President Joe Biden signed a measure into law on Sunday that boosts Social Security retirement payments to some retirees who draw public pensions, such as former police officers and firefighters, in what the White House described as the first expansion of such benefits in 20 years.

01/03/2025

Get Your RSSA Social Security Roadmap by clicking the link below.

Rene Ocasio has received training in Social Security regulations, including claiming strategies for different situations. After taking the comprehensive course, Rene has passed a proctored exam in order to earn the RSSA certificate. Determining when to claim your Social Security benefits can be chal...

01/02/2025

https://blog.ssa.gov/protecting-your-retirement-money/

World Investor Week, which kicks off October 2, is a great opportunity for investors to learn how to avoid scams. It’s particularly important for those planning their retirement to learn how to…