Dear Rusty: My best friend is going to be 62 and wants to begin taking her Social Security immediately. Her reasoning not to wait is the thought that it is going to run out in 10 years, so she wants as much of her money before that happens. I have paid into Social Security my entire working life (44 years and counting). What are your thoughts on taking it as soon as you are eligible?
Dear Rusty: I’m 64 and my wife is 62. If my wife starts her own benefit now, she will get about $700 on her own at 62. I will retire next year and claim Social Security when I am 65. SSA says my wife can draw $1,100 under spousal benefits, so if she claims now, will they give her spousal benefits of $1,100, or does she need to wait until I claim at age 65 to get the $1,100?
Dear Eric: I grew up with highly educated parents, with a strong work ethic. Because of my and my also well-educated and accomplished husband’s many years of hard work, we have been able to provide well for our children. Unfortunately, all of them have had health difficulties from birth, and instead of growing and recovering, they each developed long-term substance abuse. They barely got their high school diplomas and only one has made it through two years of college and wants to give up because she is tired of trying.
We all have portions of our lives that we’d rather not disclose to the public. In fact, most of us don’t have to go too far to realize what those things are. Because we already know - all too well.
The month of April has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in April 1925.
Dear Eric: A lady I know does shopping for Instacart, and occasionally she will post on Facebook photos of homes she has delivered to, adding comments like “look at this cool home I delivered groceries to today!” Isn’t that a huge breach of privacy? Or as an influencer, she will post videos of herself walking around a restaurant or store, including shots of customers who are standing in line, or eating a meal or shopping. Again, isn’t this a breach of privacy? She just scans the whole area as she makes the video. Can people just really go around posting photos and videos without permission from the homeowners or the people who are dining or shopping? Thanks for your thoughts.
Alexandria Fire Chief, Adam Matson, celebrated his 20-year anniversary with the department on March 21.
Dear Eric: I am a 47-year-old woman and was diagnosed with a rare terminal illness three years ago after several years of investigations. I have a rough time frame of six to 10 years. I have no family and no close friends. The only person I see is my neighbor who is also my cleaner, but that’s the only time I see her. I am totally alone, lonely and desperate and don’t know where to go or what to do.
Dear Eric: I am a late-20-something. When I told my mom I wanted to go to law school, one of the first things she said to me was that I would most likely never find a life partner. Of note, I am the only woman in my family in my generation with a college degree. I am also the first attorney in my family.
Dear Eric: “Jim” and I had a daughter, “Helena,” who was 12 years old when her father died of cancer. Jim and Helena were very close, and she knew that she would receive a letter from her father on every birthday until she turned 18.