With Social Security forming a critical part of retirement income for millions of Americans, many wonder how they can receive the highest possible monthly benefit. In 2025, the maximum Social Security retirement benefit is $5,108 per month. However, qualifying for this top payout isn’t easy and requires strategic planning over a lifetime. Here’s what you ...
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has unveiled a comprehensive set of changes in 2025 that will significantly impact seniors and public sector retirees across the United States. From increased benefits to stricter verification policies, these updates aim to modernize operations, ensure fairness, and safeguard against fraud. Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes seniors ...
At the height of the American Civil War, the Confederate States of America made a short-lived but ambitious attempt to assert their sovereignty—including through coinage. This effort resulted in the creation of two ultra-rare coins: the 1861 Confederate Half Dollar and the 1861 Confederate Cent. Both coins are now considered some of the most coveted ...
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is tightening its identity verification process in a move aimed at reducing fraud and enhancing the security of benefit claims. The updated policy, which was originally set for early April, will now take effect on April 14, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and how you can prepare. Why ...
A recent study has revealed a concerning knowledge gap among Americans approaching retirement: nearly 7 in 10 individuals aged 55 to 65 cannot correctly answer basic questions about Social Security. According to a SmartAsset survey, approximately 65% of respondents either failed or came close to failing a 13-question quiz about the Social Security program. This ...
Social Security spousal benefits are one of the most misunderstood aspects of retirement planning in the United States. Whether you’re currently married, divorced, or widowed, understanding how these benefits work can significantly impact your income during retirement. Here are 13 essential facts about Social Security spousal benefits that many Americans don’t know—facts that could mean ...
Many Americans may not realize that some of the spare change in their drawers or coin jars could be worth a small fortune. While most 1970s coins are only worth face value, a few rare examples have fetched thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars at auctions due to errors, minting anomalies, and limited releases. If ...
While most of us view the cash in our wallets as nothing more than a means to pay for groceries or fuel, some paper currency may be worth far more than its face value. Rare U.S. banknotes—due to their age, historical context, or unique printing characteristics—have become prized by collectors, sometimes fetching thousands of dollars ...
Most Jefferson nickels are worth no more than their five-cent face value. But for collectors and numismatists, some rare variations are worth thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars due to mint errors, Full Steps details, and limited production runs. First minted in 1938, the Jefferson nickel has quietly become one of the most collectible coins in ...
For most people, a penny is just a copper-colored coin that barely buys anything in today’s economy. But to coin collectors and numismatists, some pennies are worth thousands—and even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. From minting errors to limited-edition releases, these rare finds have turned everyday pocket change into valuable assets. Here’s a look at 10 ...