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Key Points A stock market crash could put your long-term savings at risk. Maintaining a solid cash cushion could protect your portfolio. The exact amount of cash you stockpile should hinge on your income picture, spending needs, and desire for peace of mind. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’ve […]
Enjoy the current installment of “Weekend Reading For Financial Planners” – this week’s edition kicks off with the news that a recent survey from Vanguard investigates the perspectives of men and women when it comes to investing and working with a financial advisor, finding in some cases that assumptions about these groups might not always […]
Michael Kitces
Key Points Spousal Social Security benefits only continue to grow until your full retirement age (FRA). This is different from retirement benefits, which continue growing until age 70. You can’t apply for a spousal Social Security benefit until your partner has applied. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › You want to […]
Key Points Reserves for Social Security benefits are on track to be depleted by 2034. Druckenmiller thinks major changes are needed to preserve Social Security in the long run. Rising interest costs on the U.S. debt are fueling the deficit, and bond markets are taking notice. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook […]
Key Points You still have plenty of time to claim your 2026 401(k) match if you haven’t already. Check with your employer if you’re unsure how your 401(k) matching formula works. If you can’t claim your entire 401(k) match, aim to get as much as you can. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely […]
Key Points Roth IRA conversions can decrease your future RMDs, but they’ll raise your tax bill this year. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is an alternative to RMDs that won’t raise your tax bill. Money you withdraw and donate to a charity yourself won’t qualify as a QCD. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]
Key Points Social Security is six years away from a possible 22% benefit cut. This could reduce average benefits by up to $556 per month in some states. Washington will likely intervene to prevent these cuts from occurring. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security faces a possible 22% benefit […]
Key Points Social Security benefits face broad cuts due to a pending shortfall. While lawmakers may be able to prevent widespread Social Security cuts, you can do your part to prevent a personal cut. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’ve been reading about Social Security in the news, you […]
By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. A reader asks: Are there any studies supporting the success of trend following or momentum? Something showing that momentum can succeed for the retail investor, not just something that works for a few hedge funds. I’m pretty EMH and find it hard to deviate […]
Ben Carlson
Key Points While Medicare might cover a good number of your health-related needs in retirement, it doesn’t pay for everything. Expect to pay for dental care and other key services on your own unless you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Come up with a strategy for long-term care coverage, since Medicare won’t pick up the […]
Key Points Social Security benefits increase when you delay your claim past full retirement age. Filing at 70 could boost your retirement income significantly. Don’t mistake a monthly boost with a lifetime boost. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › A lot of people rush into Social Security at 62 because it’s […]
By Fritz Gilbert, originally published at The Retirement Manifesto. When I first read today’s article, it resonated immediately. I knew that I had to share it as my “Best Of The Month” guest post. The article put into words the thoughts I’ve been having, but hadn’t found a way to explain. I suspect, as you […]
Fritz Gilbert
Key Points The Senior Citizens League’s current COLA estimate is 0.3% lower than in May. The annual COLA is based on yearly changes in the CPI-W from the third quarter. Recipients should prepare for a loss of purchasing power in their benefits. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Inflation, though a […]
When it comes to securities investing, market liquidity refers to how easily you can buy or sell an investment at a fair market price when you want to. When a security is illiquid–meaning it has low market liquidity–finding a buyer when you want to sell might be difficult. You might have to accept a lower […]
Key Points It’s common for older married couples to both collect Social Security benefits. Benefit cuts could be coming to Social Security as soon as 2032 if lawmakers don’t act sooner. This could lead to a devastating cut in benefits for older married couples. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Many […]
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When a hot company is in the news, it might be tempting to take advantage of offers to invest before it goes public through an initial public offering (IPO). That’s what “pre-IPO” investing promises: a chance to buy shares of a private company before it lists on a stock exchange. If you’re offered early access […]
Key Points Current 2027 COLA estimates are solidly in the 3.4% to 3.6% range. Earlier projections had 2027’s COLA at above 4%. A 4% COLA isn’t off the table, but it would come at a steep cost. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are extremely […]
