Guides

Plain explanations of the rules behind the numbers, each one written from the agency's own documents.

Social SecurityWhen to start Social Security: 62, full retirement age or 70What starting Social Security at 62, at full retirement age or at 70 does to your monthly check, using the Social Security Administration's own figures.Social SecurityWorking while collecting Social Security: the 2027 earnings limitHow much you can earn in 2027 before Social Security holds back benefits, how much it holds back, and why that money is not gone.Social SecurityHow Social Security benefits are taxedWhen Social Security benefits become taxable, how the IRS works out the taxable part, and how to have tax withheld from your payment.MedicareIRMAA explained: how income raises your Medicare premiumsWhat IRMAA is, the income where it starts, how much it adds to Part B and Part D premiums, and who pays it.SavingsRequired minimum distributions: the rules in plain EnglishWhen required minimum distributions start, the deadlines, how the amount is worked out, and what happens with more than one IRA.TaxesThe $6,000 deduction for seniors: who gets it and for how longThe extra $6,000 deduction for people 65 and older: who qualifies, the income where it phases out, and the years it applies.