Eagle eye on Social Security     

Over the summer, I had the experience of a lifetime visiting Alaska. I climbed mountains in the Chugach National Forest, got up close to glaciers the Kenai Fjords National Park, hiked the tundra that traversed the Katmai National Park and fished the rivers that feed Bristol Bay. The scenery was unforgettable. You might be asking: "Did I see any grizzlies?" You betcha! While I fished the rivers and streams, these enormous creatures lumbered close by with their heads down looking for fish - salmon to be exact.

The thousand-pound grizzlies and I were not the only great fishermen in Alaska. American bald eagles were everywhere. In 1782, the bald eagle was chosen as the emblem of the United States because of its long life, great strength and majestic look. A little known fact is that bald eagles mate for life. Unfortunately, many humans do not stay together. Divorce is very common. Knowing a divorce's impact on Social Security is a cornerstone of a good financial plan.

Social Security is a gender-neutral program. Benefits apply to both males and females or ex-husbands and ex-wives. Divorcees will receive Social Security benefits without filing any special papers at the time of divorce.