DOGE Left Everyone’s SSN Exposed

[OlDawg]

35 minutes ago, baddog said:

Had my identity stolen….from where, I don’t know. My identity was used to apply for a Home Depot credit card in Conroe. As soon as one is approved for their card, you can charge up to $5,000 that same day. The thief did just that and got about 5 grand worth of merchandise. I later received the plastic card in the mail, which was suspicious because I already had a HD card. That’s when I checked with HD and they investigated, I talked with Conroe police but they never caught them. Haven’t had any more problems. 
I know some people who refuse to swipe their debit cards at businesses. They will go to the bank and get cash. Seems a bit inconvenient but no one can steal their info. Be careful at gas stations and off beat stores.

 

They got mine from DoD database. Another government foo foo. I don’t use a debit card other than as a Pulse card at my Credit Union’s machines when I need cash for gas. Too direct a link to your bank account for me—with no protections like a credit card. Even then, very rarely. I go in half the time. Also gives me a chance to visit.

[OlDawg]

1 minute ago, AggiesAreWe said:

I did the math and I am choosing to draw at 62.

If I waited till I am 67 to draw full benefits, it would take me to I am 82 to make up that difference.

I am probably dead before then.

As bad as it sounds, my wife and I have discussed her situation, and are debating taking hers early. With her Parkinson’s Plus, she’s already on borrowed time.

I was trying to wait until at least 65. 2 more years. Actually, 1 year & 11 months.

[OlDawg]

One can hope they tell the people as soon as possible where we can make decisions about what we want to do to protect ourselves. But, I just get this nasty feeling someone would prefer to save it for an ‘October Surprise.’

[LumRaiderFan]

52 minutes ago, AggiesAreWe said:

I did the math and I am choosing to draw at 62.

If I waited till I am 67 to draw full benefits, it would take me to I am 82 to make up that difference.

I am probably dead before then.

Took mine early as well, ran the numbers in excel and saw the same.  Figured we’d enjoy it while we’ll still active.

[OlDawg]

30 minutes ago, LumRaiderFan said:

Took mine early as well, ran the numbers in excel and saw the same.  Figured we’d enjoy it while we’ll still active.

I worry about those on SS already who aren’t that tech savvy or aware. If someone gets ahold of all their info, emails them something created with AI that looks very authentic because it has all their data correct, and knows things only they think they should know, it could be very bad.

Heck. They got me even though I was always careful. Like this, someone else poached the goat.

Beginning to wonder if this had any effect on Musk’s leaving when he did. He didn’t cut near as much as promised, and some of his people misused our data? Hmmm…

I was for the cutting. But, this isn’t good.

[OlDawg]

1 hour ago, LumRaiderFan said:

Took mine early as well, ran the numbers in excel and saw the same.  Figured we’d enjoy it while we’ll still active.

Question:

If already receiving, how close was your monthly benefit compared to the estimate provided by SSA? (If you don’t mind me asking a general question. If you want to answer, you can PM. If not, I understand.)

[LumRaiderFan]

35 minutes ago, OlDawg said:

Question:

If already receiving, how close was your monthly benefit compared to the estimate provided by SSA? (If you don’t mind me asking a general question. If you want to answer, you can PM. If not, I understand.)

It was actually almost $200 more than my estimate, which was a pleasant surprise.

[baddog]

Like Aggie said, if you draw early, it could take decades for the money to equal out. Personal choices are different for everyone. If you have a job where you can still be productive at an older age and keep feeding that 401K, especially if your work matches certain percentages, your monthly benefits will increase topping out at 70 years old. It all comes down to what you can live on comfortably. Like Aggie, my stuff is paid off, so that can make a huge difference in staying employed. You can also draw and work. Depending on whether you can draw full benefits, you can earn as much as you want but still pay taxes on your income and benefits. If not of age to fully draw, then you are limited on how much you can earn by working. Everything is different for everyone. Whatever works best for you.

[LumRaiderFan]

17 minutes ago, baddog said:

Like Aggie said, if you draw early, it could take decades for the money to equal out. Personal choices are different for everyone. If you have a job where you can still be productive at an older age and keep feeding that 401K, especially if your work matches certain percentages, your monthly benefits will increase topping out at 70 years old. It all comes down to what you can live on comfortably. Like Aggie, my stuff is paid off, so that can make a huge difference in staying employed. You can also draw and work. Depending on whether you can draw full benefits, you can earn as much as you want but still pay taxes on your income and benefits. If not of age to fully draw, then you are limited on how much you can earn by working. Everything is different for everyone. Whatever works best for you.

I took the Dave Ramsey route, take it as soon as you can, as long as you’re not adding to additional income.