News and Media

U.S. News & World Report | What Does a Republican-Controlled Government Mean for Retirement?

Published: December 12, 2024

“I do not think it’s possible for much to happen,” says Martha Shedden, president and co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts. “Changes to Social Security must be bipartisan, (and) I am not hopeful for a bipartisan effort in the next four years.”

Barron's | Trump Aims to Slash Government Spending. What It Could Mean for Social Security.

Published: December 11, 2024

What’s more, Social Security is notoriously complex. An overworked, harried staff may not ask all the questions necessary to help beneficiaries get everything they’re entitled to, says Martha Shedden, co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts. Survivor benefits are one of the most common sources of incorrect advice, Shedden says.

U.S. News & World Report | Social Security Fairness Act: What It Is and Will It Pass

Published: December 10, 2024

“The WEP can’t completely eliminate that Social Security,” says Martha Shedden, president and co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts. The maximum reduction is about $600 right now. But the formula used for the GPO is different. “That can entirely eliminate those benefits, especially spousal benefits,” according to Shedden.

U.S. News & World Report | How to Undo Claiming Social Security Early

Published: November 26, 2024

“You’re allowed to pull your application once and reapply at a later date,” says Martha Shedden, president of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts. “If Social Security payments are already hitting your bank account, that money must be repaid. That includes cash withheld by Social Security for Medicare premiums and some Medicare Part A medical expenses.”

Investment News | Social Security do-over: what are your options?

Published: October 23, 2024

According to Martha Shedden, president and co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts (NARSSA), retirees have two do-over opportunities once they start collecting benefits.The Social Security Administration (SSA) imposes two conditions that can make you eligible to withdraw your retirement benefits:You have been receiving benefits for not more than 12 months. You have never filed for a withdrawal of benefits.

Barron's | Medicare Gave Them Bad Advice. Now They’re Paying Dearly.

Published: October 20, 2024

Private Social Security and Medicare consultants told Barron’s the SSA more than occasionally gives wrong advice. “People can’t figure out what to do. They call the Social Security Administration and get five different answers if they talk to five different people,” says Martha Shedden, president of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts, which trains financial professionals on how to handle Social Security issues for their clients.