Guides
Plain-English explanations of the rules behind your benefits, written by Markus and updated for 2027. Each guide links to the matching calculator so you can run your own numbers.
Social Security
2027 Social Security COLA: What the 3.6% Raise Means for Your Check
The 2027 Social Security COLA is 3.6%. See how much your check rises, when it arrives, and what the Medicare premium takes back.
Read guideSocial Security Payment Schedule 2027: Every Date by Birthday
Full 2027 Social Security, SSDI and SSI payment calendar by birthday, with holiday shifts and double-payment months.
Read guideClaiming Social Security at 62, 67 or 70: How to Find Your Break-Even Age
Compare claiming Social Security at 62, full retirement age or 70, and learn how to work out your break-even age.
Read guideHow Social Security Calculates Your Benefit: AIME, PIA and Bend Points
A plain-English walk-through of how Social Security turns your earnings into a monthly benefit, with 2027 bend points.
Read guideWorking While Collecting Social Security: The 2027 Earnings Limit
The 2027 Social Security earnings limit is $25,560 ($67,920 in your FRA year). See how withholding works, with examples.
Read guideSocial Security Spousal Benefits: How to Get Up to 50% of Your Spouse’s Benefit
How Social Security spousal benefits work, who qualifies, how early claiming reduces them and how divorced spouses can claim.
Read guideSocial Security Survivor Benefits: What Widows and Widowers Can Claim
What Social Security survivor benefits pay widows and widowers, when to claim, and how the 82.5% limit works.
Read guideSSI & SSDI
SSI vs SSDI: Differences, Eligibility and 2027 Payment Amounts
SSI and SSDI are different programs. Compare eligibility, payment amounts, health coverage and work rules for 2027.
Read guideSSI Payment Amounts 2027 and How Other Income Reduces Your Check
The 2027 SSI federal rate is $1,029 for an individual. Learn how earned, unearned and in-kind income reduce it.
Read guideSSDI and Work in 2027: Trial Work Period and SGA Limits
How much you can earn on SSDI in 2027: the $1,770 SGA limit, $1,270 trial work month and the extended period of eligibility.
Read guideMedicare
Taxes & RMDs
Is Social Security Taxable? Provisional Income Explained (2026–2027)
Learn when Social Security is taxable, how provisional income works and how the 50% and 85% tiers apply, with examples.
Read guideRequired Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Ages, Rules and Penalties
When RMDs start (73 or 75), how to calculate them, deadlines, penalties and ways to lower the tax bill.
Read guideSenior Tax Deductions for 2026 and 2027: What People 65+ Can Claim
The extra standard deduction for 65+, the new $6,000 senior deduction and its phase-out, explained with examples.
Read guideWhich States Tax Social Security Benefits? (2026 List)
Only 8 states tax Social Security benefits in 2026. See the full list, recent changes and what it means for retirees.
Read guide