Tag: Social Security

Senior man working at laptop at home

Abstract Over the past two decades, the share of individuals claiming Social Security at the Early Eligibility Age has dropped, and the average retirement age has increased.  At the same time, Social Security rules have changed substantially, employer-sponsored retirement plans have shifted from defined benefit (DB) to defined contribution (DC), health has improved, and mortality…

African american woman saves money in piggy bank with a confident expression on smart face thinking serious

Most retirees didn’t notice the $5 cost-of-living increase in the average Social Security check. That’s because the Part B Medicare premium deducted from their checks went up nearly as much (from $104.90 in 2016 to an average $109 this year). Beyond premium hikes, the bigger issue for retirees are the additional out-of-pocket costs they must pay…