Key Points You might easily have a six-figure retirement income with $3 million in savings. Depending on your core expenses, that could leave you with plenty of money for travel and entertainment. A $3 million nest egg can still run out, so you need to manage your withdrawals cautiously. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most […]
Key Points An aging population is adding to Germany’s pension woes. A commission recently presented proposals to the German government. As in the U.S., German officials propose raising the retirement age. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Germany’s statutory pension insurance is essentially its version of Social Security, designed to protect […]
Key Points The latest 2027 Social Security COLA projection is 3.8%. This is above average compared to the last 50 years. It likely won’t meaningfully increase your checks, however. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › We’re inching closer to the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement, and it’s looking increasingly […]
Key Points Inflation data from July, August, and September are used to determine the annual COLA. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising oil prices could lead to an above-average COLA for 2027. The Senior Citizens League predicts the 2027 COLA will come in at a solid 3.8%. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most […]
Image source: Getty Images For a mortgage, a 780 credit score and a perfect 850 get you the exact same rate. Every score from 780 up sits in the top pricing tier, according to Experian data as of July 2026. So the score that gets you the best deals isn’t 850. It’s more like a […]
Key Points Australia’s superannuation fund helps ensure workers have money in retirement. Only employers are mandated to pay into the superannuation fund. U.S. retirement experts warn that switching over to the Australian system would not be an easy fix. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › President Donald Trump has said that […]
Key Points Social Security COLAs are based on third-quarter inflation changes year over year. July’s data, once it becomes available, will help shape the upcoming COLA. An official COLA won’t be available until mid-October. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’re a retiree on Social Security, you probably know how […]
Key Points You can avoid a tax increase by donating your RMD to a qualifying charity. You may not have to take RMDs from all of your retirement accounts. The deadline for 2026 RMDs is Dec. 31, 2026, for seniors over 73. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › You’re already worried […]
Key Points HSAs offer triple tax advantages and can fund future medical costs if you save and invest the balance. Estate rules make HSAs powerful for your own retirement but risky as inheritances for non-spouse heirs. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Health savings accounts (HSAs) can offer powerful triple-tax benefits, […]
Key Points Missing the RMD deadline could be costly. Putting off your first RMD might cause more problems than it solves. Ignoring a money-saving option could sting. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you have money in a traditional IRA or 401(k), required minimum distributions, or RMDs, are a reality […]
Key Points Roth IRAs offer benefits like tax-free gains and withdrawals. They also don’t impose required minimum distributions. Despite these perks, Roth IRAs aren’t the right fit for everyone. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Roth IRAs have earned a reputation as one of the best retirement accounts available, and for […]
Key Points The inflation measure used to determine Social Security COLAs is not the most appropriate one for seniors. Increases in Medicare premiums can eat into retirees’ benefit increases. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security is critical for most U.S. retirees, and about 39% of them would have incomes […]
Image source: Getty Images You can still get a balance transfer card with a less-than-ideal credit score — you just have fewer options, and it might take some more work to land it. The best 0% intro APR cards are typically available to applicants with scores of 670 or higher. If you’re in the “fair” […]
Key Points Following June’s cooler inflation report, one notable Social Security analyst has lowered her 2027 COLA forecast. There’s still time for that number to change before a 2027 COLA is made official. A smaller COLA isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it means inflation is easing. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely […]
Key Points Annuities can provide guaranteed income from a lump-sum investment. The size of these payments depends on a number of factors, including age, location, and whether you’re looking for an eventual return of some of your initial capital. Like any other investment option or retirement planning strategy, annuities have upsides and downsides to consider […]
Key Points With a phased retirement, you work part-time rather than quit cold turkey. Easing into retirement could work to your financial benefit. It could also make things more manageable from an emotional standpoint. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › A lot of people go from working full-time to suddenly not […]
Key Points Social Security is vital to most retirees, and a cut will be bad news. Millions have not saved nearly enough for retirement, and that could hurt them more. Fortunately, it’s probably not too late to improve your future retirement. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security is facing […]
Key Points The 4% rule has you withdrawing 4% of your savings your first year of retirement and adjusting future withdrawals for inflation. Critics say the guidance is too cookie cutter and inflexible. If you’re willing to adapt, the 4% rule could be your ticket to making your money last. The $23,760 Social Security bonus […]
