Topic: Social Security

Eight steps to getting the right insurance

Comparing insurance policies is tough. However, by following these eight steps, you can simplify the process and find the right insurance policy for you.

'Fiscal cliff' deal: What will it mean for you?

Some aspects of the fiscal cliff deal are well-known – such as rising tax rates on the rich. But, actually, everyone will be paying more taxes. Here's a look at the deal's details.

Robert Reich
After the fiscal cliff comes the debt ceiling

The battle over the fiscal cliff was only a prelude to the coming battle over raising the debt ceiling – Reich writes – a battle that will likely continue through early March, when the Treasury runs out of tricks to avoid a default on the nation’s debt.

Decoder Wire
Donald Trump slams GOP: How would he have struck 'fiscal cliff' deal?

Donald Trump slams GOP in tweets, saying that Republicans got nothing in the fiscal cliff deal. Here's a look at some principles the real estate mogul might have followed had he been negotiating.

Robert Reich
Senate 'fiscal cliff' deal is lousy

Here are four reasons the 'fiscal cliff' deal emerging from the Senate doesn't serve America well. President Obama could have done better in negotiations with the Republicans.

Fiscal deal will cost you: 8 tax changes

[Editor's note: This story was updated on Jan. 2 at 10:00 am ET.]

Congress has passed a fiscal deal that averts the worst of the tax increases under the "fiscal cliff." But most Americans will still end up paying more in federal taxes. Here are eight tax changes under the fiscal deal that may hit your pocketbook:   

How much do you know about US entitlement programs? Take our quiz.

The push to reform entitlement programs is at the heart of debates about the future of the US budget. They include Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (welfare).

'Fiscal cliff': How far apart are the sides now on tax cut deal?

Both sides have appeared to come closer together on Bush-era tax cuts, but many other issues remain, and Senate majority leader Harry Reid still isn't saying much publicly.

Fiscal cliff: 48 hours to go and Senate negotiations slow to a crawl

A late-breaking Republican demand to cut Social Security benefits through an alternative method of calculating inflation adjustments has put negotiations at an impasse.

Gay marriage at Supreme Court: Will military couples get more benefits?

Same-sex military couples are not eligible for many benefits that heterosexual married couples in the military receive, including housing and medical care. But the Supreme Court could redefine the federal status of gay marriage next year.

No Ben Affleck? That's OK, Massachusetts Senate race still poised to be big.

If John Kerry's seat needs to be filled next year, it will be the fourth time Massachusetts voters have chosen Senate candidates in a six-year period. Actor-director Ben Affleck said Monday he won't run.

Tax VOX
Worst fiscal policy ideas of 2012

TaxVox's Lump of Coal Awards covers a broad swath of fiscal policy missteps for the year.

Audits looking for undocumented immigrants on the rise

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reported auditing more companies than ever before to look for undocumented workers on the payroll. Though President Obama has supported a path to legal status for many immigrants, he also supports penalties for companies that purposely hire illegal immigrants.

Robert Reich
Fiscal cliffhanger: Obama's unwise concessions

President Barack Obama has returned to making premature and unnecessary concessions to Republicans in the fiscal cliff debate, Reich writes.

Full steam ahead? How economy might look if 'cliff' deal is struck. (+video)

If Washington can strike a bargain on the 'fiscal cliff,' some tax hikes and spending cuts would slow the economy. But rising consumer confidence could keep the slow recovery chugging along.

Social Security: Is reform needed now or not?

Negotiations over avoiding the 'fiscal cliff' have put Social Security back in the news. While the program isn't a money loser for the federal government, its trustees favor acting soon to keep it healthy.

Tax VOX
The toughest obstacles in the budget debate? Entitlements.

Somehow we must find ways to gain control over spending on Medicare and Medicaid, Penner writes.

Social Security reform: What 'chained CPI' proposal by Obama means

Obama proposes revising the way Social Security benefits get adjusted each year to help retirees cope with inflation, as part of 'fiscal cliff' talks. Here's how 'chained CPI' would alter the status quo.

Obama makes 'fiscal cliff' offer. Are contours of a deal emerging? (+video)

In fiscal cliff negotiations, President Obama is now proposing that tax hikes could begin with households earning $400,000, not the $250,000 that he has long called for.

Tax VOX
How Eisenhower and Congressional Democrats balanced the budget

President Dwight Eisenhower truly believed that budgets should be balanced, and his 1960 budget incorporated severe spending restraint and only minor tax increases, Penner writes.

GOP cracks in higher taxes for the wealthy?

House Speaker John Boehner has joined Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in signaling that the Bush-era tax cuts for 'millionaires and billionaires' – President Obama’s favorite campaign target for additional federal revenues – should be allowed to expire at year’s end.

Decoder Wire
'Fiscal cliff': Is John Boehner in a lose-lose situation?

Speaker John Boehner and fellow Republicans are being asked to cave on tax rates in the fiscal cliff negotiations. In return, they could be the 'bad guys' on entitlement reform – something even their own voters may not support.

Raising Medicare's eligibility age: How much money would it save?

A full account of the impact of raising Medicare's eligibility age to 67 must also include the added costs to other expensive programs, as some seniors switch to Medicaid or seek government subsidies for private insurance.

Tax VOX
Tax hikes ahead. Time to accelerate dividend payments?

While some investors would be hurt by the accelerated dividend payouts, many low- and middle-income taxpayers could benefit, Williams writes.

Boehner: Don't make Christmas plans, 'serious differences' remain in 'fiscal cliff' talks

Boehner's comments came as top Democrats pushed back on GOP demands for tough steps like raising the Medicare eligibility age and curbing the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security.