Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

  • Home
  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

10 Mistakes That Reduce Your Social Security Payments

July 9, 2020 · Personal finance

9. Defaulting on federal student loans

Did you know that debt collectors can’t garnish your Social Security for credit cards and other consumer accounts?  If those are your only debts you can rest assured thanks to this U.S. Treasury rule.

In terms of debts owed to the federal government, however, you won’t be able to dodge those. Whether you’ve taken a federal student loan for yourself or for a child, some of your benefits will be withheld, so try your best to pay these off well before your golden years.

Finally, with number 10, it’s a stark reminder that nothing lasts forever…..

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Latest Posts

  • A warm mid-century gouache illustration of an older couple happily planning a trip to Europe with a colorful map on their kitchen table. The Cheapest Months to Fly to the Most Popular European Destinations
  • An older woman smiling and laughing while talking on her phone at a sunlit kitchen table with a mug of tea. Telephone Reassurance Programs: Getting Paid to Chat With Seniors
  • An older woman at her sunlit dining table organizing paperwork and folders. Supplemental Security Income: Do You Qualify for Extra Help?
  • An older man happily restoring a wooden chair in his sunlit home workshop, symbolizing flexible and rewarding part-time work. 8 Flexible Part-Time Work That Won't Affect Your SS Benefits
  • A retired woman sits thoughtfully at her sunlit kitchen table, reviewing papers and bills with a warm mug of tea nearby. 16 Things Retirees Often Overpay For Without Realizing
  • An older couple stands on their porch during sunset, looking at a moving truck parked in their driveway. Retirees Regret Choosing These 5 States (Based on Cost and Lifestyle)
  • An older couple sitting at a wooden kitchen table reviewing organized tax documents in warm morning light, representing tax planning. 5 Tax Breaks You Can Claim Without Itemizing in 2026
  • An editorial illustration of a retired couple rolling back a rug to reveal hidden wealth and resources beneath their floorboards. The Retirement Benefits Beyond Traditional Checks - Find Them Here!
  • An editorial gouache illustration showing a stylized Social Security card sliced at the top, revealing gold coins inside. Could Social Security Taxes Change Again?
  • An editorial gouache illustration showing stylized hands adjusting a large monthly benefit check with a ruler and compass. The Benefit Rule That Could Affect Your Monthly Check

Newsletter

Get retirement planning tips, savings strategies, and lifestyle insights delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

A senior man locking his front door during golden hour, representing home security.

13 Free Ways to Keep Thieves From Breaking In

Discover 13 practical, free ways to secure your home from burglars and enjoy a stress-free…

Read More →

Here’s How Your 401(k) Plan Will Help You in Retirement

Dollar-cost averaging Second-guessing your investments is a pretty normal reaction. There’s always going to be…

Read More →

12 Best Kirkland Products You Should Get at Costco

Discover the top 12 Kirkland Signature products at Costco that help retirees stretch their fixed…

Read More →
An older man confidently using a laptop in a sunlit home office, symbolizing digital security.

7 Common Passwords To Avoid

Learn why common passwords leave retirees vulnerable to fraud and discover practical cybersecurity strategies to…

Read More →

17 Ways to Make Sure Your Retirement Stays on Track

A professional advisor reviews a brochure with a smiling senior woman to plan for long-term…

Read More →

10 Reasons Why Most American Seniors Are Addicted to Their Social Security

Explore why most seniors rely heavily on Social Security to survive retirement, from guaranteed lifetime…

Read More →
An older man sitting at his kitchen table under warm light, thoughtfully reviewing a paper Social Security document with a pen in hand.

The Social Security Rule Most Retirees Never See Coming

Discover the hidden Social Security rules like the Retirement Earnings Test that can unexpectedly withhold…

Read More →
A retired couple looking out a window in their bright, downsized modern home.

11 Mistakes to Avoid When Downsizing Your Home

Discover the most common physical, financial, and emotional mistakes retirees make when downsizing their homes,…

Read More →

12 States That Tax Social Security Benefits

Rhode Island For joint filers with a federal adjusted gross income of $111,200 or even…

Read More →
Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

Inedit Agency S.R.L.
Bucharest, Romania

contact@retiredinamerica.com

Trust & Legal

About Us

Editorial Policy

Advertiser Disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Disclaimer

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Subscribe

Unsubscribe

Categories

  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

© 2026 Retired in America. All rights reserved.