Recent content by ocdude

Ahhh, the light bulb flickers... :D Thanks, that makes sense. Thanks to everyone for the excellent info. At least, that's one small step closer to understanding the intricacies of federal gov't. That don't happen every day....

OK, I'm confused again. Assume I have the larger benefit. I agree that the longer I delay, the larger MY monthly benefit. However, if my spouse is eligible for the spousal benefit, I read it to say her payment is based on a percentage of my FULL, unreduced benefit. If she draws early, the...

Anybody out there have a handle on social security spousal benefits? I recently read an article on the subject - FOXNews.com - Spousal Benefit Another Key To Social Security Decision - Finance | Personal | Business | Personal Finances - and need a reality check on whether I am interpreting it...

Nope, not a dumb question at all. According to the financial whizzes, you've got the right answer. In my case, I've got 2 reasons - 1) I need the money, NOW!! ;D 2) I don't anticipate a long life span, based on both genetics and life style. For me, it's a matter of take the money and run.....

Gail, thanks for the great feedback. That's the kind of info I cannot find anywhere on ssa.gov, and exactly what I needed regarding business planning for this year. Great forums! Thanks to everybody for the helpful info. :)

Thanks for the link and info. That article does a good job of clearing up what earnings are counted, but I'm still confused on how the penalty is applied. My part-time work is self-employed (web design). My net earnings can vary considerly month-to-month. If the earnings deduction is not based...

Hey - I'm a first-timer here - neat forums. I'm an early retiree who will start drawing social security in March, 2009, at age 62. I work part-time, and I'm thoroughly confused by the details of the earnings penalty. I understand that $1 will be withheld for every $2 earned above the threshold...