((Also, for both of them, No one pays income tax on Social Security
Income
unless you go over a certain amount. I'm not sure what that amount
is, but
I know we've never come even close to it))

Barbara, I just pulled out my SS form The amount is $25,000 for a
single person and $32,000 if filing jointly. That amount includes
half of the SS amount received for the year. Even though I'm not
wealthy, I came darn close to having to pay taxes on my SS because of
dividends and capital gain on sold stock. Not having to pay any taxes
on my SS is an important incentive to me.

Regarding health care and medication costs, I chose wisely years ago
when I went with Kaiser Permanente. I just got a three-month supply of
metformin, lisinopril, and simvastatin. My doctor chose to put me on
generics, which cost less. More people could save money if they
insisted on generics as I had, in my opinion.

Sue, I do agree with you that the payroll tax cap should be raised. Of
course, it no longer will affect me since I'm retired, but I do see
your point.

Neal, before you chew out your accountant, do some more research on
how SS is taxable. Look at the back information on the Form SSA-1099
Social Security Benefit Statement you received. Read Notice 703 (Rev,
September 2007) where it says to check out box 5 on the above form.

Judity