Social Security Matters: Should I claim spouse benefits or my own?

New polling reveals that particularly younger Americans are willing to embrace changes to shore up Social Security for the long term. (Dreamstime/TNS)

Business News, Lifestyle, Lifestyles

July 9, 2026

Social Security Matters: Should I claim spouse benefits or my own?

By RUSSELL GLOOR

DEAR RUSTY: I am writing to get advice on the optimal time to sign up for Social Security benefits. ...

Social Security Matters: Why doesn’t my record show all my military earnings?

By RUSSELL GLOOR

July 2, 2026

DEAR RUSTY: When I look at my earnings on my Social Security account, I see that in 1955 and 1956 have no earnings. I was in the U.S. Navy as a first ...

Social Security Matters: When should my wife claim benefits?

By RUSSELL GLOOR

June 26, 2026

DEAR RUSTY: We could use guidance on optimum dates for my spouse to begin taking Social Security. She doesn’t have enough work credits on her own, so ...

Social Security Matters: No lump sum death benefit after wife passes?

By RUSSELL GLOOR

June 19, 2026

DEAR RUSTY: My wife passed away in September 2025 at age 64. We had been married for 43 years and started collecting benefits when I turned 62 and she...

Social Security Matters: Should I claim spouse benefits or my own?

The Bradford Era

Download Now

Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Social Security Matters: Should I claim spouse benefits or my own?

The Bradford Era

Download Now

Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Help Our Community