soloact

Much respect and deep gratitude to the wonderful people who had us up and running so quickly. Widda is an amazing site. Thank you all!

You're welcome, TalksToAngels

Delayed retirement credit. Retirement benefits increase if not claimed at FRA. Here's some info from ssa.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/DlyRetCrdtFactSheet.html This article is less cryptic. http://www.forbes.com/sites/kotlikoff/2015/01/01/social-security-qa-can-i-take-early-survivor-benefits-while-delaying-retirement-benefits/#23221ac46a79

https://ssa.gov/planners/survivors/ifyou2.html

Benefits can be leveraged too. Survivor benefits at 60 while retirement benefits acrue DRCs until 70.

Widow(ers) still have the option to take one benefit early and then switch to the other. I hope that is not done away with too soon.

Rob introduced a reasonable consideration. Making an informed decision can't be bad. Social Security survivor benefits are not subject to deeming. That adds considerable flexibility to claiming. Recent legislation (11/2/2015) now subjects retirement and spousal benefits to deeming until age 70. That significantly reduces a couples benefits in many cases. Carefully evaluating SS survivor benefits before disqualifying yourself is worth a bit of thought if you're in striking distance of 60.

You are not cold hearted. You're professional. Don't give it another thought.

Info for ex-spouses on Social Security benefits. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/can-two-divorcees-marry-continue-collect-social-security-benefits-exs/ This is a commercial calculator to help decide when to claim benefits. https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com

Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I smile. I talk to his picture and I know that's crazy but it comforts.

[quote author=Portside link=topic=1992.msg24212#msg24212 date=1453834004 All he said was "So?". Best wishes I wish the smoke would blow his way.

Quiet here. Not in the storm's path. A dear friend lives in D.C. Been staying in touch via email. She got home from work safely last night and is not scheduled today. I'm relieved that she is not on the roads. Hope all are safe and warm.

Understandable. New guy seems very generic.

I have no blended family experience so please take this with a pound of salt. Excluding one child of a family seems either thoughtless or cruel. I hope it was thoughtless. Would you be comfortable talking to the adult who issued the invite and explain that all the children are treated equally in your home? Making a polite request that the kids are a package deal may help if it was thoughtlessness. If it's a matter of not enough space for another child it would be better to exclude both children. Sorry that happened.

Thank you.

Torn, if you both enjoy Chinese fare a leisurely meal is nice for chatting and getting to know each other better. Congrats on the upgrade to voice calls! Now go have some dinner with your lady friend!

Such a lovely tribute from a young niece to honor her favorite aunt. Catherine made good memories with her. The bond between a loving aunt and her niece is never broken. I think of my Auntie even now. Catherine was a good lady.

Dinner

Torn, there were no fireworks just a post that was a little OT. We're all good.

Misery loves company.

Jen, there is frightening longevity in my family too. When I go for the annual checkup and doc tells me not to eat this or do something to add years I wonder if he ever looked at my medical record? Makes ya wonder

Waffel House Bago

Bear, we divided the house into his, mine and common areas. I still respect his space.

Waffle House sounds good. I'll meet you there

Torn, glad to read you are more peaceful today. The disrespect is not easy to deal with while actively grieving. Feels like being kicked when you are down. I hope things in your home settle down soon. You're a good person to be admired. I was serious about the dogs yesterday Merry Christmas!