Over the years, I’ve had people ask me what they thought was a simple Social Security question. “I’m divorced. Can I collect on my ex-spouse’s Social Security?” My answer? It depends. I know—that’s everyone’s favorite answer! But recently I encountered a situation that demonstrates just how quickly Social Security can go from relatively simple to “I’m so confused!” Let’s start with the basics. If you were married for at least 10 years, are currently unmarried, and meet the other requirements, you may qualify for Continue reading →

The Only Certainty Is Uncertainty One of the three earthly truths I’ve come to accept over a lifetime is this: The only certainty is uncertainty. We spend much of our lives trying to eliminate uncertainty. We buy insurance, diversify investments, write wills, save for retirement, and create carefully thought-out financial plans. Those are all wise decisions. But none of them removes uncertainty. They simply help us prepare for it. Lately, uncertainty has once again become front-page news. Social Security and an Uncertain Future For the Continue reading →

Golfers love the idea of a Mulligan. Hit your first tee shot into the trees? Take a Mulligan. Start over. Pretend the first one never happened. Life, unfortunately, doesn’t work that way. Most of our decisions are permanent. We live with them, learn from them, and hopefully make better ones the next time around. But every once in a while, life gives us a second chance. Social Security does too. “I’ve Already Claimed. There’s Nothing I Can Do.” One of the biggest misconceptions I hear Continue reading →

  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 →

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 →

    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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →