Spousal benefits can be a lifeline for seniors who established a single-income household. Spouses who shortened their careers and stayed home to raise kids and manage a household can still receive a nice-sized monthly check thanks to spousal benefits.

Retirees with public pensions and their spouses are now eligible for their full Social Security benefits.

I write a column like this one every January. But I don’t mind plagiarizing myself, because it contains a very important message for people planning to retire in 2025.

The federal government hasn't changed how it taxes Social Security in over 30 years. The rules are often in conflict with other tax strategies to maximize income and minimize taxes in retirement. Knowing all the details can help you make smart decisions about whether to take the tax hit now or wait until later.

Social Security benefits are a crucial part of retirement income, but taxes can take a bite out of your funds. Understanding federal and state tax implications can help you keep more of your hard-earned money.

Why do I need to even think about Social Security, much less spend time focusing on it?" But the reality is that some of the Social Security moves you make during your working years could set you up for higher monthly benefits during your retirement years.