Social Security

Social Security's shortfall is manageable, but it's also real.

The Social Security Trust Fund will run out of money three years earlier than previously thought in 2033. As for Medicare, that's still on track to run out of cash in 2024.

A trustee report on the fiscal health of Medicare and Social Security will allow political parties to spin their message.

Social Security claims came down last year, an intriguing sign that older workers are feeling better about their job prospects.

"A steadily growing portion of the workforce will continue to work at least part-time well beyond the 'normal' retirement age of 65," says a senior research fellow at the New America Foundation.

A substantial fraction of people die with virtually no financial assets -- 46.1 percent with less than $10,000.

I will be 66 in June but want to continue working for 3 or 4 more years. (I am a college professor.) I am in the position of being able to take my social security check and put the full amount each month in a pre-tax IRA so I would not have to pay taxes on it. Am I better off doing this or should I delay taking it until I am 69 or 70 and get a larger amount each month? Thanks, Hal, Cullowhee, NC

Senate Democrats want another vote this week on extending a payroll tax cut for workers. But Republicans say they can't support the Democratic proposal.

My husband switched 7 years ago to a job for which he does not contribute to Social Security. ... Does the age at which he retires affect the amount of Social Security he will receive? He no longer contributes to it and cannot build it up any longer. Thank you! DeDe, Cincinnati, OH

In delaying a budget cut solution, the super committee has put off decisions on Social Security payroll tax cuts, unemployment benefits for Americans, and other tools that could affect your family.