I have no good photos to go along with my post tonight, so here's a photo of Katie in her spiffy new walking vest. It has safety trim that glows when light hits it at night. You can kind of see it in this photo. It also keeps her from pulling out of her collar when she gets excited. And I worry about those coyotes, if I need to yank her up fast, I don't want to choke her. Isn't she a cutie?
Since it's October, and I'm eligible for Social Security in January, this is the month I sign up (three months prior). This evening I'm working on signing up on-line. I've gotten almost to the end of the form but I'm afraid to complete it. From what I've heard in years past, once you decide when and how you're signing up for your benefit, and the application is done, there's no going back.
The Social Security Administration employee that I went to see last year when I signed up for Medicare told me I can collect one-half of my former husband's monthly benefit since we were married more than ten years, and I am now unmarried. If I decide to do that, my Social Security benefit will continue to grow until I decide to collect under my own SS number. She said it was some kind of loop hole that benefits divorced women (or divorced men if they earned less than their former wives).
I assume some of you retired RVers are collecting Social Security. Anyone start collecting their Social Security by taking one-half of their former spouse's benefit in a reduced monthly payment, then later on down the road switch it to your own, for a larger benefit?
One-half of his benefit is less than my whole benefit amount, but not by a lot, and since I'm still working full time I can afford to take less now, so that I'll receive more later. When I'm full-timing, every little bit will help. But... once I push the final button, that's it.
I think I'll hold off on completing it tonight, and make an appointment to file in person, so I can be sure I have my facts right. I'd hate to reduce my benefit for the rest of my life because I misunderstood.
I am soooo looking forward to that extra check each month. $$$$$
Two weeks to go, can't wait.
From me and Katie, have a good night, everyone! : )
