New Blog from Miami Retirement Planner Michael Ladin Spells Out Social Security Changes to Expect in 2017

MIAMI, Fla. (PRWEB) December 30, 2016

Social Security beneficiaries will see a slight increase of 0.3 percent--about $5 monthly--in their Social Security payments in 2017. A new blog from Miami, Florida retirement planner Michael Ladin titled, "6 Social Security Changes that are coming in 2017," breaks down the most notable changes that will affect Baby Boomers and retirees.

Ladin focuses on six changes that he says will most affect beneficiaries, particularly the cap increase on the amount of workers' earnings that will be subject to Social Security taxes in 2017.

In 2016, the maximum earnings subject to Social Security taxes was $118,500. In 2017, the cap will increase to $127,200, an increase of $8,700 or 7 percent. Individuals whose income exceeds that cap will pay no Social Security tax on earnings above that limit, according to the newly released Social Security Fact Sheet. The Social Security tax rate will remain unchanged at 6.2 percent.

According to Ladin, as a result of the cap increase, high-income workers can expect to pay a few hundred dollars more in Social Security taxes next year. The assumption is that with Social Security facing significant shortfalls that will impede its ability to pay out future benefits without significant changes, next year's cap increase is meant to help the system's coffers last longer.

"Increasing the Social Security cap probably helps, but it does not solve the looming shortfall analysts predict," Ladin says.

According to calculations by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, the tax cap would actually need to be eliminated entirely in order to close a significant percentage of the Social Security gap. Even such a drastic measure would not come close to a complete fix, according to the committee's latest report, which states that a combination of measures, such as higher Social Security taxes, lower benefits--perhaps only for the affluent--and indexing retirement age to life expectancy.

In addition to the 0.3 percent cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) hike and Social Security
earnings cap hike, Ladin's blog offers in-a-nutshell explanations of four additional noteworthy changes ahead, including:

• Changes in the average monthly Social Security payment for retired individuals and retired couples in 2017.
• An increase in the maximum possible benefit for individuals who retire at their full

retirement age of 66 in 2017.

• New rules for dual-earner married couples regarding eligibility to claim both a spousal

payment and an individual payment at different times (double claiming) in 2017.

• New rules for dependents of beneficiaries who suspend payments, and the exception to the rule that applies to divorced spouses.

"Social Security rules are complex and abundant, and for most people they're challenging to keep up with, Ladin says. "I wrote the blog to raise awareness about the most noteworthy changes, but there are more changes that are going into effect next year as well.

"People who are confused about how to start planning a Social Security strategy for 2017 might want to take the opportunity to speak with a retirement specialist," Ladin says. "Someone who can break down the details and help you get started on a plan of action that can help you glean the most benefits from an increasingly rigid system that basically tells you how you can earn, file for and receive Social Security payments."

To learn more, visit the Ladin Financial Group website, email Michael(at)ladinfinancialgroup(dot)com or info(at)ladintax(dot)com, or call (305) 444-4898. Ladin Financial Group is located at 2525 Ponce De Leon, Suite 300, Coral Gables, FL 33134.

About Michael Ladin and Ladin Tax and Financial Group:
Ladin Tax and Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisory firm in Miami, Florida, focuses on assisting Florida business owners, Baby Boomers and retirees with sound retirement income strategies that work in a tax efficient way. Founder and CEO Michael Ladin is experienced in asset protection, wealth transfers, estate planning life insurance and premium financing, and is registered in Florida as an Investment Advisor Representative.

The host of Retirement Radio's "Strategies for Financial Success" on NewsTalk 610 WIOD,
Saturdays at 7 a.m., Sundays at 1 p.m., Ladin co-authored the best-selling book, "The Ultimate Success Guide," with Brian Tracy. He has been quoted in major publications, such as the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Since beginning his career in the financial services and insurance business more than 20 years ago, Ladin has built a reputation as a respected public speaker and consultant.

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