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Ask Rusty: About When to Claim SS & Taxation of Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am 65 and currently working full time. Can I apply for and start receiving my Social Security (SS) benefit? I’d expect to have to pay income tax on it if and when I do. Signed: Curious Worker Dear Curious Worker: If you are working full time, you should likely delay claiming Social […]
VIEWPOINT: Coaching is Key to a Successful Consulting Practice & More
If you have, or are seriously thinking about, starting your own consulting business, the most important piece of advice I can offer you is one that was given to me. That little gem was: “Think about what you’ve really enjoyed doing in your career, what got your juices flowing, and do that; focus on that
Ask Rusty: About Investing SS Money in the Stock Market
Dear Rusty: For most folks collecting Social Security (SS), you get back what you put in within three to five years, so for those that scream: “SS is not an entitlement, it is my money,” that is not entirely accurate beyond three to five years. For me personally 4.4 years is the number. But had
VIEWPOINT: 2024 Title IX Regulations Deemed “Unlawful”
On Jan. 9, 2025, the Eastern District of Kentucky held in State of Tennessee, et al. v. Miguel Cardona, et al. that the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 Final Rule implementing Title IX is “unlawful.” This court decision applies nationwide, including in New York state. The court determined in State of Tennessee that the final
Ask Rusty: Can my Wife Claim her SS Now and Get Half my SS Benefit Later?
Dear Rusty: My wife will reach her full Social Security (SS) benefit at 66.5 years of age, which is just under two years away for her now. If she were to begin to get her monthly check now (i.e. early), would that prevent her from being eligible for the spousal benefit to receive half of
VIEWPOINT: N.Y. Becomes 2nd State to Enact Climate Change Superfund Act
On Dec. 26, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Climate Change Superfund Act (Act) into law, making New York the second state (after Vermont) to impose the cost to repair and prevent climate-change impacts on a broad segment of the fossil-fuel industry. The Act states that climate change, which results primarily from combustion of fossil
VIEWPOINT: Building One Upstate
The keys to a healthier, more connected CNY In the 18 months since joining the team at SUNY Upstate Medical University, I continue to be impressed by our community’s sense of connection and shared responsibility. I have observed that Central New Yorkers are committed to looking out for one another. At SUNY Upstate, we take
Ask Rusty: Have I Saved Social Security Money by Claiming at 62?
Dear Rusty: I had to start collecting Social Security (SS) at age 62, and I am 75 now. I believe that in the last 13 years I have saved the Social Security Administration (SSA) money, so I do not know why I cannot draw my full benefits now. If I had started drawing at 65
VIEWPOINT: Employment Law Updates for 2025 in New York
As 2024 comes to a close, New York State prepares for the rollout of new employment laws and regulations in the coming year. While not an exhaustive summary, this article highlights key developments and updates in employment law for 2025. Minimum-wage increases Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the hourly minimum wage for the New York City
VIEWPOINT: Cybercrime and small business: The question is not if but when
Cyberattacks on small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB) continue to rise and will only intensify over the next few years. With the increased prevalence and cost of attacks, the absence of a safety net like cyber insurance is no longer an option SMBs can afford. Assessing the threat Ransomware is one of the most-common forms of
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