The Helper locomotive is there to assist trains to get over steep grades. This blog serves the same purpose. It is here to help give ideas to get you over those steep financial grades that lie ahead of you. I hope you enjoy!
Learn the important numbers that railroaders and railroad retirees need to keep in mind for their tax planning in 2026
Learn when an older spouse should start their Social Security if they are married to a working railroader.
Learn the timing of when to collect Railroad Retirement and/or Social Security.
Learn when a widow should claim her Social Security in lieu of her Tier 1 Railroad Retirement Survivor Annuity benefits.
Learn if working a part time job in addition to your railroad job will sever your Current Connection and understand the potential impact not only on your Survivor Annuity but also your Tier 2 benefits.
Understand why the spouse should always collect their Railroad Retirement spousal annuity benefits even when work deductions will be applied.
Learn the impact of working a part time job on your Railroad Retirement Survivor Annuity.
Learn the tradeoffs by retiring before you start your Railroad Retirement annuity without 30 years.
Understand that Social Security Adminstration rules are used to determine the credits and not Railroad Retirement Board rules.
Understand the implications on your spouse's annuity when you go back to work in Railroad Retirement and the possible big impact on your retirement plans.