Most people don’t spend much time thinking about Social Security until retirement starts to feel real. Then suddenly, the questions start piling up - when should I claim, how does it affect my taxes, and am I making the right decisions?

Social Security Topics You’ll Want to Learn More About

 

That’s exactly why Minnesota National Bank is hosting a Social Security seminar. It’s designed to help take some of the guesswork out of the process and give you a clearer understanding of how these decisions can impact your financial future.
Covered topics will include:
  • When it Makes Sense to Start Claiming Benefits
  • Strategies for Spouses
  • How Taxes Come into Play
  • Most Common Mistakes People Make

Understand your Social Security Options

 

Recently, there’s been some interesting news related to Social Security - especially for clergy - that highlights just how important these decisions can be.
 
For many years, clergy have had a unique situation when it comes to Social Security and Medicare. Early in their careers, they’re given the option to opt in or opt out of the system. The catch has always been that once that decision was made, it was permanent. There was no opportunity to revisit it later, even if circumstances changed.
 
As you can imagine, that’s led to some tough situations. Many clergy made that choice early on, sometimes without fully understanding what it would mean decades down the road. In some cases, individuals have reached retirement without access to Social Security or Medicare benefits at all, despite a lifetime of work.

There May be Social Security and Medicare Changes Ahead for Clergy

 

On April 27, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed what’s known as the Clergy Act (H.R. 227) by a wide bipartisan margin. The bill would create a limited window -specifically in 2029 and 2030 - where clergy who previously opted out could reverse that decision and begin participating in Social Security and Medicare going forward.
 
It doesn’t force anyone to opt in, but it does offer a second chance for those who want it. For those affected, that could make a meaningful difference in their long-term financial stability.
 
The bill still needs to move through the Senate before anything becomes final, but it’s a good example of how Social Security rules can evolve - and why it’s important to stay informed.
 
Whether you’re clergy or not, the bigger takeaway is this: the decisions you make about Social Security can have long-term consequences. Understanding your options ahead of time can help you avoid surprises later.

Learn More at our Upcoming Social Security Seminar

 

Thursday, May 14
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Minnesota National Bank
131 12th St S
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
 
If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP by Wednesday, May 13, 2026. You can call 320-527-0258 or email jen.borgmann@mn-bank.bank.
 
It’s a great opportunity to get informed, ask questions, and feel more confident about your retirement planning.