What about the Spouse?

May 27, 2026 by Backnineadmin
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  Protecting the Surviving Spouse Last week I spoke to the San Antonio Fire & Police Association regarding the elimination of the WEP and GPO provisions. For many firefighters and police officers, this is a major change because they may now qualify for either their own Social Security benefit or a spousal benefit — whichever is greater. But as I walked through the planning process, something became very clear. This is not just about maximizing benefits. It’s about protecting the surviving spouse. The Pension Decision Continue reading →

A puzzle has more than one piece

April 29, 2026 by Backnineadmin
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The Conversation has Evolved For years, I focused on Social Security—the cornerstone. But it’s only one part of the picture. Last Friday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Dallas Convergence—for the 14th consecutive year. That alone gave me pause. Fourteen years. It’s a reminder of how quickly time passes… but also how many things change—if we’re paying attention. When I look back at those early presentations, the focus was narrow and precise: Social Security. Claiming strategies. Maximizing benefits. And while those topics remain Continue reading →

For Every Action, There Is an Equal and Opposite Reaction

March 30, 2026 by Backnineadmin
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    In physics, Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The principle applies not only to science, but to economics, public policy, and retirement planning as well. Every decision has consequences, and when those consequences are ignored, the reaction usually comes later — and often with greater force than expected. In 2024 at the tail end of the Biden Administration, Congress changed the rules affecting Social Security recipients who had been subject to the Continue reading →

Why 60 Is More Important Than 65

February 19, 2026 by Backnineadmin
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The Most Dangerous Retirement Age Cigarettes carry a warning label: Smoking can be hazardous to your health. If retirement decisions carried one, it might read: Major financial decisions made at 60 can permanently affect the rest of your life. Back in 2004 when I started Back 9 Financial it was done as a metaphor to life.  On the Front 9 one accumulates assets and on the Back 9 one needs to use the accumulated assets to create a lifetime income!  I consider age 60 to Continue reading →

When Will Congress Get a Round Tuit?

January 27, 2026 by Backnineadmin
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On my desk sits a round poker chip with the word TUIT painted on it. Whenever someone says, “I’ll get around to it,” I can hand them one. It usually gets a smile—but it also makes a point. For decades, Congress has promised to “get around to” fixing Social Security. And for decades, meaningful action has been postponed. In today’s hyper-political environment—where agreement between parties in either the House or the Senate has become increasingly rare—solving the pending Social Security shortfall has grown more ominous, Continue reading →

The Back 9 of Life

December 19, 2025 by Backnineadmin
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A Year-End Reflection on Time, Gratitude, and What Truly Matters As we come to the end of another year, it feels only appropriate to pause—not to rush ahead to resolutions or forecasts—but to take stock. To reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and how we want to step into the year ahead. Last month, while unpacking boxes after our move, I came across a letter I had saved. I don’t remember exactly when it first found its way into my hands, but rereading Continue reading →

2026 Changes to Social Security

November 25, 2025 by Backnineadmin
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As we come to the end of another year, I thought it most appropriate to see what changes we’ll see in Social Security for 2026; Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Benefits will rise by 2.8% beginning January 2026, reflecting the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). Example: A $2,000 monthly benefit in 2025 will become $2,056 in 2026 Observation:  Many individuals don’t realize that even if you’re not receiving benefits the COLA increases will still be added to your benefits when you do file.  Thus, if Continue reading →

“I didn’t know that!”

October 23, 2025 by Backnineadmin
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While attending my brother in law, David’s Celebration of Life this past weekend in Sarasota, I had the opportunity to visit with both his current wife (Kathy) and his ex (Julie) whom they share 2 children with.  Being somewhat inquisitive and wanting to make small talk, I asked both ladies separately about their plans for claiming Social Security benefits.  Here are their responses; Current Wife (Kathy 71) This was easy since she claimed upon her own record back at age 62.  Her own benefits were Continue reading →

Happy 90th Birthday – Social Security

September 22, 2025 by Backnineadmin
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On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. Ninety years later, on August 14, 2025, the nation paused to honor its legacy. In his original signing statement, Roosevelt called the act “a cornerstone in a structure which is being built but is by no means complete.” He was right. For nine decades, Social Security has stood as one of America’s most enduring promises: that after a lifetime of work, citizens should not face old age in poverty. Today Continue reading →

Social Security & One Big, Beautiful Bill

August 22, 2025 by Backnineadmin
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“And now the rest of the story”    Paul Harvey In what’s being hailed as a major policy win for retirees, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill—a sweeping piece of legislation that promises long-awaited tax relief for millions of older Americans. With bold language and celebratory tone, the SSA declared that the bill “ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits,” adding that the law delivers “meaningful Continue reading →