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The SSN: A History Lesson Apr. 19, 2023
Regular readers of my column know that I try to avoid the use of Social Security jargon, abbreviatio... Read More
Common Social Security Questions Apr. 12, 2023
Well, it's been a strange week. My inbox is normally crammed with emails from readers. But this week... Read More
Social Security Rules for Federal Government Employees Apr. 05, 2023
I've commented before how surprised I am that a high percentage of emails I get come from the relati... Read More
Psych Yourself Up Mar. 31, 2023
Unless you are blessed with superior, Zen-like mind control, you have probably noticed an unwelcome ... Read More
How Happy Are You? Mar. 24, 2023
I've always liked this quote from Abraham Lincoln, who was known to suffer from major bouts of depre... Read More
Change Is Nothing New to Social Security Mar. 15, 2023
I continually remind my readers that they shouldn't worry too much when they read or hear reports of... Read More
Disability Benefits for Senior Citizens Mar. 08, 2023
Many older folks are asking me about getting disability benefits from Social Security. I'll offer so... Read More
More Questionable Advice From the SSA Mar. 01, 2023
I hate writing columns that are critical of some of my former colleagues who are still working for t... Read More
Bonus Benefits of Dance Feb. 24, 2023
For those of us old enough to remember the popular TV program "American Bandstand," dancing has alwa... Read More
If You Mess Up, Don't Blame the Government Feb. 22, 2023
Sometimes people will write to me complaining that the government, specifically the Social Security ... Read More
Are Your Finances in Order? Feb. 17, 2023
My new personal hero is New York Times science writer John Schwartz, but the reason I admire him so ... Read More
An Unusual Morning Mailbag Feb. 15, 2023
Most mornings, I sit down at my computer and open my emails. I find many of the same questions I've ... Read More
When Did Respecting Your Elders Become Passe? Feb. 10, 2023
It should surprise no one that advancing technology and advancing age don't exactly go hand in glove... Read More
How Retirement Benefits Are Figured Feb. 08, 2023
After doing this column for so many years (more than a quarter century now), I've learned there are ... Read More
Genius Foods Feb. 03, 2023
It's no secret that when I come across an amazing book, I feel compelled to sing its praises to anyo... Read More
Message to Homemakers: Building Up Your Own Social Security Might Not Be Worth It Feb. 01, 2023
I will occasionally get questions, almost always from women who spent much of their adult life as ho... Read More
Forget Downsizing Jan. 27, 2023
For many of my baby boomer peers, the most-dreaded activity on the horizon is the possibility of bei... Read More
Columnist Turns a Molehill Into a Mountain Jan. 25, 2023
Several readers shared with me a story that ran in many newspapers around the country headlined: "So... Read More
The Problems With Running a Disability Program Jan. 18, 2023
Several readers recently sent me copies of a news story that appeared in papers around the country. ... Read More
