Taxes, Social Security & retirement
Lawrence Strauss covers taxes, Social Security, and retirement for The Money Front. He follows the deadlines, benefit rules, and IRS changes most likely to affect what older Americans keep, and explains each one in plain, sourced language.
Latest from this writer
Canceling a Gym Membership: The Rules on Your Side
The federal click-to-cancel rule was struck down, but gyms still face FTC lawsuits, state health-club laws, and billing rules. How to cancel…
A CP2000 Notice Is Not an Audit: How to Respond
The IRS CP2000 notice proposes changes when your return does not match its records. It is not a bill or an audit.…
Medicare Card Calls: What Real Reps Never Ask For
Callers claiming Medicare needs to send you a new card are after your Medicare number. What real representatives never ask for, and…
Medicare Savings Programs: State Help With Premiums
Four state-run Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium and more. The 2026 income and resource limits, what each program…
Missed the April Tax Deadline? How Penalties Stack Up
Missed the April 15 deadline? The IRS charges 5% a month for late filing and 0.5% for late paying, plus interest. How…
Freezing a Child’s Credit: Why It Matters and How
A child’s clean credit file is a prize for identity thieves. Federal law lets parents freeze a minor’s credit for free at…
Borrowing From Your 401(k): The Real Price Tag
A 401(k) loan looks cheap because the interest goes to you. The real costs are missed growth, repayment rules, and what happens…
The HSA Deduction: Tax Savings Without Itemizing
HSA contributions are deductible even if you take the standard deduction. The 2026 limits are $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for…
Register Your Appliances: The Recall Notice You Want
Most recalled products never get fixed because companies cannot find their owners. Registering your appliances puts the safety notice in your mailbox.
Pension Buyout Offers: Comparing Lump Sum to Monthly
A pension buyout trades lifetime monthly checks for one payment now. The taxes, spousal rights, and lost protections to weigh before you…
Injured Spouse Relief: Reclaiming Your Half of a Refund
If a joint tax refund was seized for your spouse’s old debt, Form 8379 can recover your share. Who qualifies, how to…
Package Never Came? The Refund Rules on Your Side
An online order that never arrives triggers real federal rights: the FTC’s 30-day shipping rule, a seven-day refund clock and card dispute…