Should I Retire at 65 or 67? And What About Earnings & Taxes?
Dear Rusty: I’m just trying to figure out how to determine whether to retire at 65 or 67 and, if I retire, approximately how much could I make outside of my Social Security without being overly taxed. Signed: Thinking About Retiring
The Real Threat to Democracy
“In a democratic republic, the organs of state are separate and may even at times work at cross-purposes, with one acting as a balance for the other. In an autocracy, these organs must be deprived of their autonomy …”
GOP’s convention unity may be contrasting with a mirage
INDIANAPOLIS — It’s been nine years since Donald Trump arrived on the American presidential scene, prompting me to finish a number of columns by simply saying, “Anything can happen.”
If complaining doesn’t help, why do we do it?
Is complaining an effective strategy for solving problems? Will complaining improve your situation? Do others enjoy listening to you complain? The answer to all three questions is no. Then why do people complain? There are a number of reasons. He or she may be looking for sympathy, assistance, support, or just letting off steam. There are also people who are habitual whiners who are never satisfied or content.
J.D. Vance, Mitch and me
WEST LAFAYETTE — It was a wintry night in January 2017, just two weeks into the Donald Trump presidency, and the conversation centered on the populist uprising unfolding before our eyes.
Want to Claim SS at 62? Here’s When to Apply?
Dear Rusty: My wife and I are going to be taking Social Security at 62. She will be 62 on April 15, 2025. I will be 62 August 7, 2025. When should we apply for Social Security?
‘Debate’ turns into a doddering gish gallop against democracy
INDIANAPOLIS — The “debate” between Joe Biden and Donald J. Trump was nothing less than an unfolding disaster for voters and the future of American democracy.
Alas, Joe Biden had a debacle of a debate
WASHINGTON DC — It was a close call if there ever was one. For a while there were suggestions that President Biden was about to call it quits and resign as president after his debacle of a debate with Donald Trump. If that had happened, Kamala Harris, Biden’s VP, would automatically assume the presidency. Although the president’s family convinced him to stay the course, there is still a possibility that President Biden might hang up his boots sometime in the near future thus making Harris our nation’s first female Commander-in-Chief — at least until the November elections.
ChatGPT’s Advice on Careers
Certain high schoolers have definite professional goals and informed parents. Others are inclined towards careers about which they and their parents are clueless. How can students and their parents get a handle on what is required for entry into certain occupations?
Will IRA Withdrawals Affect Medicare Premiums?
Dear Rusty: I am a member of AMAC and learn so much from the Ask Rusty column. I hope you can give me some information about a question that has come up in my family. My husband is retired and has reached full retirement age. He is considering withdrawing money from an IRA to pay off our mortgage. We are wondering what, if any, penalties may be incurred on Social Security, Medicare, and income tax. Thank you for your help in this matter. Signed: Concerned Taxpayer