This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. Every so often, a viral post (or a variation on it) shows up on social media about Social Security. I recently saw one—not written by but shared by a friend—expressing frustration that the government was supposedly renaming Social Security checks as “Federal Benefit … Read more
This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. The headlines can be concerning: “Social Security Trust Fund to Be Depleted by 2033!” “Automatic Benefit Cuts Coming!” “Bankruptcy Looms for Nation’s Largest Program!” If you’re counting on Social Security—most are, whether you’re already collecting, planning to retire soon, or decades away—these warnings … Read more
This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. Most people think of Social Security as a “monthly check.” Some see it as something they paid for and therefore “earned.” Others view it as a government program that may not be available for the duration of their retirement. Many younger readers fear … Read more
The Dictionary of Bible Themes defines worry as “A sense of uneasiness and anxiety about the future. Scripture indicates that such anxiety is ultimately grounded in a lack of trust in God and his purposes.” Perhaps because worry tends to focus on the future, it’s something that retirees, or near-retirees, can quickly fall into. We … Read more
This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series, which focuses on the critical levers that affect your retirement income and financial sustainability. When I was preparing to claim Social Security benefits, I thought I understood how the taxation worked. After all, I’d written about it before on this blog. But when … Read more
This is the second of two articles about some of Donald Trump’s campaign promises, which, if enacted, could significantly impact retirees or near-retirees. Interest rates Promises PolitiFact: ”Trump said ‘we’re going to cap’ credit card interest rates ‘at around 10%. We can’t let them make 25% and 30%.’ When he made the pledge in September … Read more
This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. It was initially published on April 9, 2024, and updated in 2025. Many people focus solely on their own retirement benefits when considering Social Security. However, it’s crucial to understand the significant role Social Security spousal and survivor benefits can play in retirement … Read more
This article is part of the Retirement Financial Life Equation (RFLE) series. It was originally published June 21, 2023 | Updated December 2025. The 2025 Social Security Fund Trustees’ Report was released in June 2025, and here’s the latest on Trust Fund solvency: The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund, which pays retirement and … Read more
Regret. Webster defines it as “Feeling sad, repentant, or disappointed over (something that has happened or been done, especially a loss or missed opportunity).” We all have regrets. Why? Mainly because we are fallen people living in a fallen world (Rom. 5:12). Our regrets may be over something we did or did not do or … Read more
