For many business owners, retirement planning focuses on building and eventually exiting a business. But one piece is often overlooked or misunderstood: Social Security. Despite being one of the most significant sources of retirement income for many Americans, Social Security is often missing from broader financial and tax planning conversations. Whether you’re self-employed or running…
Post Type Archives: Resources
Slam the Scam Day: Educate Yourself on Government Imposter Scams
March 5, 2026, is National “Slam the Scam” Day. Designated by the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, this outreach campaign raises awareness about Social Security scams and other government imposter schemes. Slam the Scam Day is part of National Consumer Protection Week (March 1–7, 2026). Scams continue to grow in…
National Consumer Protection Week: Why Awareness Matters
National Consumer Protection Week (March 1–7, 2026) highlights the importance of protecting consumers from fraud, identity theft, and financial exploitation. The Federal Trade Commission describes the week as a time to focus on “frauds, scams, and consumer rights” and to encourage conversations about prevention, reporting, and recovery. Throughout the week, the FTC is hosting educational…
What Happens When You Don’t Have 35 Years of Earnings? A Social Security Case Study
Social Security benefits are calculated using your highest 35 years of earnings, adjusted for inflation. Anyone who begins working later in life, whether due to immigration, a career change, or time spent out of the workforce, may be affected by this formula. To see how this works in practice, consider the following scenario. Meet Alex…
Financial Wellness Is About Confidence, Not Just Numbers
Halfway through Financial Wellness Month, it is a good time to check in. Not on your budget spreadsheet, but on how confident you feel about your financial decisions. When people think about financial wellness, they often focus on everyday habits like saving more or spending less. Those things matter, but true financial wellness goes beyond…
RSSA® Program Updated for 2026
The RSSA® Program has officially been updated for 2026 and is now live in the learning platform. These updates ensure that all course materials reflect current 2026 Social Security values and are fully aligned with the latest version of the RSSA Roadmap software. For individuals currently working through the program, you can safely resume your…
Top 5 Social Security Claiming Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most important financial decisions many people make in retirement. It is also one of the most confusing. With a complex web of rules, age-based adjustments, and family considerations, it is easy to make a choice that feels right in the moment but leads to a…
NARSSA Expands to Nearly 2,000 Locations for Americans Needing Assistance From Certified Social Security Experts
NARSSA has announced that it has expanded its nationwide network of nearly 2,000 field locations where Americans can seek both in-person and remote access to certified Social Security experts. Known as Registered Social Security Analysts (RSSA®), these experts provide additional value added services beyond what employees at the Social Security Administration offer, including the ability…
What to Know About the 2026 Social Security COLA
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. This annual increase ensures that benefits keep pace with inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The new adjustment will take effect in January 2026 for most beneficiaries, providing a modest boost…
Social Security Administration Announces 2.8% COLA Increase for 2026
After a nine day delay caused by the Federal Government Shutdown, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, reflecting the rising cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from July through September. This adjustment, alongside updates to…