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Social Security

Aug 27, 2026

MARGENAU: Misinformation from the Next Booth Over 

My wife and I were eating in a local restaurant the other day. In the booth right behind me (within easy earshot) were two women whom I would guess were […]

Aug 20, 2026

MARGENAU: There Is a Reason for the Rules

People often complain to me about Social Security rules that they think are unnecessary. But there is almost always a good reason for the rules. I’ve saved up some emails […]

Aug 13, 2026

MARGENAU: No Secret Code on Social Security Cards 

I’m always amazed by the number of silly and outright dumb rumors about Social Security that are floating around out there. The latest one I’ve heard is the wackiest of them […]

Aug 6, 2026

MARGENAU: Working Women vs. Stay-at-Home Moms — The Argument Continues 

Once again, I find myself in the middle of an argument that has been going on for decades, maybe longer: the friction that develops between working women and stay-at-home moms. I’m not an anthropologist. […]

Jul 30, 2026

MARGENAU: Grocery Clerks, Managers and Maytags 

Q: I want to share a little advice with your readers. I have had numerous dealings with my local Social Security office. And I have learned that you should never work with the […]

Jul 23, 2026

MARGENAU: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff 

Based on some recent emails I received, I think it’s time to bring up again a message I’ve delivered more than a few times in the past: Don’t worry. Be happy. And that message is meant […]

Jul 16, 2026

MARGENAU: Government Health Care: A Before and After Story 

I recently got a new knee. Or to be precise, I got my second new knee. About 14 years ago, I was limping around like an old man. X-rays showed […]

Jul 9, 2026

MARGENAU: Divorced Men and Social Security 

Over the 29 years I’ve been writing this column, I have probably written a hundred columns directed at divorced women. But after answering some emails this week from men who had questions about benefits […]

Jul 2, 2026

MARGENAU: How Many Questions Can I Answer Today? 

Usually, I will devote an entire column to answering just one question or dealing with just one Social Security issue. But every once in a while, I like to challenge myself […]

Jun 25, 2026

MARGENAU: Benefit Computations: Simple and Advanced 

After doing this column for more than a quarter century, I’ve learned that with respect to how their benefits are figured, there are two kinds of potential Social Security beneficiaries. The vast […]

Jun 17, 2026

MARGENAU: The Real Story Behind Social Security Overpayments 

I have seen several news stories recently that were critical of the Social Security Administration and the way the agency handles overpayments — money sent to Social Security beneficiaries that […]

Jun 11, 2026

MARGENAU: More Social Security Rules I Can’t Explain 

 I’ve always prided myself on being able to explain the rationale behind various Social Security rules and regulations. Many times, readers will send me emails in which they express utter […]

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