News and Media

Financial Advisor Magazine | Social Security Benefits Might Get A 22% Haircut In 2034, Trustee Report Says

Published: October 1, 2021

There are so many variables that can be adjusted that can extend the longevity of the system for decades,” Shedden said. “It’s just going to take that shock of the possibility that benefits will be reduced to get lawmakers to act.”

CNBC | Here are the changes that could be coming to your Social Security benefits

Published: September 30, 2021

That rate has not been adjusted in many years, said Martha Shedden, president of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts. Even moving it up by just a tenth of a percent or a hundredth of a percent could make a big difference with 176 million workers paying into the system, she said.

CNBC | These Social Security mistakes could cost you money

Published: September 30, 2021

Just because claiming Social Security at age 62 may be the right move for your sister, it doesn’t mean it is the right one for you. “There are no two claiming decisions that are the same,” said Martha Shedden, president and cofounder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts.

Financial Advisor Magazine | Social Security May Face Benefit Cuts In 2034, Trustee Report Says

Published: September 1, 2021

“Social Security beneficiaries would still get 78% in 2034 even if Congress does nothing at all,” Martha Shedden, president and co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts, told Financial Advisor magazine. “There are so many variables that can be adjusted that can extend the longevity of the system for decades, it’s just going to take that shock of the possibility that benefits will be reduced to get lawmakers to act,” Shedden said.

MarketWatch | Social Security’s doomsday is now a year earlier — should you be worried?

Published: September 1, 2021

For most Americans, Social Security benefits make up a sizable chunk of retirement income. For some, it’s a majority, if not all, of the money they’ll have in retirement. “For many people, it is their largest retirement asset,” Shedden said. “They should be thinking about it that way and paying attention to it in that manner.”

MarketWatch | 10 things everyone should know about Social Security – for starters

Published: August 27, 2021

“Whether you are approaching retirement or further away from that stage in life, do you feel competent in your knowledge of the Social Security rules? Do you know what claiming decision is best for you and/or your family? As someone who specializes in Social Security planning, here are some of the most common statements I hear. Do you know if they are true or false? Test yourself on each one and I’ll share the answers.”

MarketWatch | Good news on Social Security finances

Published: August 27, 2021

“Furthermore, according to Martha Shedden, it’s not clear that you would need to change your retirement financial plan even if you believed that Congress would let the OASI trust fund get depleted. Shedden, of course, is co-founder and president of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts. In an interview, she said…”

MarketWatch | How to get good help with claiming Social Security—when and how you claim can be the difference between a decent retirement and a terrible one

Published: July 15, 2021

“…Frankly, I feel if you’re retirement planning and your adviser is not able to help you get into the weeds of modeling out ‘what-if ‘scenarios [about Social Security], I’d find a different adviser.” To select one, you might want to look a financial pro who has taken special courses and certification in Social Security.

Next Avenue | Where to Get Help to Claim Social Security Wisely

Published: July 9, 2021

“The closest thing to my heart is being able to help others in my age group to make this [Social Security claiming] decision, because I’ve seen the huge amount of difference it makes financially, NARSSA co-founder Martha Shedden, who’s in her 60s, told “Friends Talk Money.”

Times Union | Commentary: To save Social Security, overhaul payroll tax system – now

Published: July 9, 2021

FICA taxes are nonrefundable payroll taxes and are often mistaken for just another income tax. Despite what many individuals think, the amount of FICA taxes paid by a worker is not being saved in a separate account to fund their individual future retirement benefit. Rather, FICA taxes paid by current workers are funding benefits for current retirees.