Key Points Start saving as early as you can, even if you can only spare a few dollars a month. Figure out how much you think you’ll actually need for retirement, rather than choosing an arbitrary benchmark to aim for. Claim as much of your 401(k) match as you can afford to each year. The […]
Key Points Give your savings a last-minute boost. Do a thorough portfolio checkup. Get rid of costly debt so it doesn’t monopolize your retirement income. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’re planning to retire in 2028, you’re clearly entering the home stretch of your career. At the same time, […]
Key Points Medicare Part A will pay for short-term stays in a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility. The cost of long-term stays in an assisted living community or nursing home falls to you. The list of services Medicare will not cover is much longer than the list of services it will pay for. The $23,760 Social […]
Key Points A QCD is a charitable donation you can make in lieu of a required minimum distribution (RMD). You must donate to a qualifying tax-exempt organization for it to count. The money may not pass through your hands first, or it will not count as a QCD. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]
Key Points Social Security is facing a financial shortfall. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act worsened the financial shortfall. While everyone agrees Social Security needs reform, many politicians are reluctant to make tough choices. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security is in trouble. That doesn’t mean benefits will end, […]
Key Points You need to have a detailed plan to achieve retirement security. Many people have bought into retirement myths that could cost them. Learning the truth about Social Security and investing ensures you’re actually prepared to support yourself as a senior. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Planning for retirement […]
Key Points Social Security benefits got a 2.8% COLA in 2026. Many seniors are hoping for a more generous raise in 2027. While recent inflation data suggests next year’s COLA may be larger, that’s not automatically positive news. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’re collecting Social Security, you may […]
Key Points Social Security faces a possible 22% benefit cut in six years without government intervention. Avoiding benefit cuts will likely require higher taxes. Focus on what’s within your control right now, and be prepared to adapt once we know how Social Security will change. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › […]
Key Points Maintain a diversified portfolio with investments that can outpace inflation over the long term. Be prepared to adjust your budget if prices remain elevated. Maximize Social Security to help preserve your purchasing power. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › You may be aware that over time, inflation can chip […]
Key Points If you want to maximize Social Security, you’ll need to work a long, high-paying career. Delaying benefits until 70 is key to maxing out your benefits. There’s one more thing you’ll have to do if you want the absolute maximum. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › The average retiree […]
Key Points Over half of Americans think financial security in retirement is out of reach. If you feel like you can’t save for retirement, you still need to get started. Setting a goal and automating some investing could be a good first step. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you […]
Key Points Like most people, I expect to receive Social Security benefits in retirement. But I want to be careful not to rely too heavily on it because of its uncertain future. My retirement plans are based on covering my costs with fewer or no benefits. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook […]
Key Points Focusing on retirement savings now gives you time to make changes if needed. It’s smart to review your asset allocation in case things in your portfolio have shifted. Shedding debt and reassessing your retirement account choices are savvy things to do, too. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › For […]
Key Points Given enough time, the cumulative adverse impact of even just modest underperformance can be considerable. Poorly-performing investments aren’t the biggest problem. Keeping your portfolio’s efficiency high is mostly a matter of addressing the little things that chip away at your bottom line. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Are […]
Key Points Johnson has since tried to walk back his comments on Social Security’s future. Politicians from both sides of the aisle appear to be working toward a solution, offering dozens of ideas for stabilizing the program. Popular solutions include lifting the earnings cap and delaying the full retirement age. The $23,760 Social Security bonus […]
Key Points Social Security has many rules that govern how the program works. In most cases, the rules take inflation into account. For Social Security tax thresholds, that’s not the case — and retirees pay the price. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security’s retirement benefits program has many complicated […]
Key Points Many Social Security recipients are hoping for a larger cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2027 than this year’s 2.8% raise. Recent inflation data has led to higher COLA estimates. July’s inflation reading actually counts in the COLA formula, making it more important. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › For seniors […]
Key Points When you set a target retirement goal, you most likely base your savings projections off that timeline. Retiring early gives you less time to save, and you must rely on your savings for longer. You should prepare as if you’ll retire early so you’re ready if something unexpected happens. The $23,760 Social Security […]
