Money, taxes and retirement
Bank accounts, taxes, saving, investing, and pensions and benefits from two countries.
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Newest guides (55)
How to Prepare for Medicare 5-10 Years in Advance?
Planning to use Medicare? Learn how to properly prepare for this step 5-10 years in advance to avoid tax pitfalls and make the most of available options.
MAGI – What is it and how does it affect Medicare?
Learn what Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is and how it affects your Medicare premiums and ACA subsidies, as well as the differences between MAGI and AGI and which incomes are added to MAGI.
How IRMAA Increases Medicare Premiums: Examples and Consequences
IRMAA is an additional charge to Medicare premiums for Parts B and D calculated from MAGI two years prior, with thresholds and amounts for 2026, examples of Roth conversions and capital gains, the threshold effect, and when to request SSA for a recalculation using form SSA-44.
IRMAA in Medicare – Why Do Wealthier Individuals Pay More?
Learn how income from two years ago affects higher Medicare premiums and understand the IRMAA mechanism and its implications for higher earners.
SSI in the USA 2026: Who Will Receive Supplemental Security Income, How Much, and How to Apply
SSI is federal assistance from the SSA for individuals aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled with low income and assets up to $2000 (couples $3000); in 2026, the rate is $994/month for individuals and $1491 for couples, with immigrants typically needing 40 work quarters and 5 years in the USA.
Survivor Benefits in the USA: Social Security Benefits After a Deceased Spouse
Who receives Social Security benefits after a deceased spouse (widow, ex-spouse, children, parents), how much it amounts to (71.5%–100%), the deceased's work history, a one-time payment of $255, applications from Poland through ZUS or FBU, the end of WEP and GPO, and taxes: 25.5% in the USA and reporting in Polish PIT.
Pension from Poland and the USA: Social Security Agreement and Taxes
How the agreement between Poland and the USA (since March 1, 2009) allows for the combination of work periods, where to apply for a pension from ZUS and SSA, how payments are made abroad, and how Social Security is taxed in Poland (in both countries, with a deduction for tax paid in the USA).