Trump Bump?
It's a well-known fact that the COLA increase for SS is far, far behind what it should be right now if inflation for the last 20 years had been accurately...
News
What a Comfortable Retirement Actually Costs in California in 2026
Anyone who knows anything about the continental United States' weather knows the state of California is beautiful all year long. On the other hand, anybody who knows anything about each...
How to Build a Summer Retirement Income Plan Before the Markets Move
In reality, there's nothing particularly special about summer. Sure, the weather is nicer, and kids are out of school, but the business world keeps chugging forward just the same. Still,...
Social Security Work Rules You Must Understand Before Working in Retirement
If you're planning on collecting Social Security and a paycheck at the same time to help you make ends meet, you must be aware that this isn't always possible.
How Much Does the Typical Gen Xer Have Saved for Retirement?
Since members of Generation X were born between 1965 and 1980, some are getting close to the age when they'll be eligible for Social Security for the first time. And...
The Social Security Rule Working Retirees Need to Watch Closely in 2026
You might assume that the only reason people work during retirement is because they need the money. In reality, working can be a good way to keep busy and maintain...
What the Average Retiree Actually Brings Home After Taxes and Medicare in 2026
You certainly know what your retirement income is -- or what it likely will be when that time comes. But how does that number compare to the average? Here's your...
An Economic Red Flag Is Flashing — and It Points to a Higher 2027 Social Security COLA
Doom and gloom have been the prevalent mindset among Americans several times during the past. Consumer sentiment fell sharply in the late 1970s as the economy experienced stagflation. It was...
Why Now May Be a Great Time to Invest, Despite a Red-Hot Market
The older I get, the more I seek historical perspective. For example, the year-over-year inflation rate (from April 2025 to April 2026) is 3.8%, and no one can say it's...
President Donald Trump’s Social Security Double Whammy Can Expedite Its Insolvency
For most retirees, Social Security income isn't a luxury -- it's a necessity to make ends meet. For a quarter-century, Gallup has conducted annual surveys to gauge retirees' reliance on...
This One Social Security Rule Changes at Full Retirement Age
The one key rule that changes when you reach full retirement age has to do with working while collecting Social Security benefits.
Can You Live Without Social Security for 1 Month? Here’s How That Could Pay Off Big Time.
It's understandable that you'd want to claim Social Security as early as possible so you can get the most checks. But there's a pretty big drawback to doing this.
Is It Smart to Claim Social Security Early When the Stock Market Is Volatile? Here Are the Pros and Cons.
Few things disrupt your retirement plans quite like your investments nosediving just as you were about to quit your job. It can leave you unsure about what to do next...
The Average 401(k) Balance in 2025 May Surprise You
If you have access to a 401(k), saving for retirement could be pretty seamless. That's because 401(k)s are funded directly through payroll deductions.
Applying for Social Security in 2026? 3 Things to Know About Your First Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Before 2027.
You're pretty new to Social Security, and while you may have gotten a few checks, there are still some things you're not sure about. For example, you know your benefits...
You’re Making a Huge Mistake if You Keep All Retirement Savings in an IRA or 401(k)
Since their invention in the 1970s, retirement accounts like the 401(k) and the traditional IRA have been touted as ideal ways to tuck money away for retirement. And in many...
Some Working Seniors Could See a Social Security Boost in 2027, and It’s Not Because of the COLA
When people talk about Social Security benefit boosts, conversation naturally turns to the cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that increase everyone's checks each January. For many, this is the only time they...
Median Home Prices Are Dropping. Here’s What That Means for Retirees Trying to Relocate.
Median home-sale prices have fallen to just over $403,000 as of the first quarter of 2026, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, following a huge spike during...