By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. The top 10 stocks in the S&P 500 make up almost 40% of the index. Each of the companies in the top 10 sport a market cap of $1 trillion or more. In fact, as of this writing, the 12 biggest companies all have […]
Ben Carlson
Key Points Many seniors are hoping for a generous Social Security COLA in the new year. While the number won’t come out until mid-October, retirees could get a better picture of the 2027 COLA later this week. Even if next year’s COLA is fairly large, it may not be enough to improve your financial situation. […]
Key Points Current estimates are calling for a larger COLA in 2027 than what seniors got earlier in 2026. Even if next year’s COLA is more substantial, history suggests seniors may end up disappointed. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you were disappointed in your 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, […]
Key Points Most 401(k)s have vesting schedules that determine when you’re eligible to keep your employer match. Quitting your job before you’re fully vested could cost you some or all of your match. Leaving some of your match behind could still be the right choice in some situations. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]
Key Points Claiming Social Security at age 62 can reduce your checks by up to 30%. It could also put you at risk of losing more money to the earnings test if you’re still working. Those with short life expectancies and dependents may prefer not to claim Social Security at all. The $23,760 Social Security […]
Key Points At 55, you may be able to tap your 401(k) without an early withdrawal penalty. While that flexibility might help you retire early, you won’t be eligible for Medicare for another 10 years. Before you make an early workforce exit, consider the cost of staying insured for a decade. The $23,760 Social Security […]
Key Points Few announcements are more anticipated than the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reveal in October. Two of President Donald Trump’s policies are directly affecting consumer prices and lifting COLA estimates for 2027. Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in traditional Medicare may be in for a pleasant surprise next year. However, Social Security’s annual […]
Key Points Many Social Security recipients want to know how much their benefits will increase in the new year. That announcement should arrive in mid-October. There are clues as to what to expect, but rising or cooling inflation in the coming weeks could change the equation. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook […]
Key Points Two Trump administration policies have led to higher prices in 2026. Projections for next year’s COLA are narrowing as we get more data. The official number will be released on Oct. 14. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › We’re just a few weeks away from learning one of the […]
Key Points You generally must be married for at least one year to qualify for spousal Social Security benefits. You may be eligible to claim a spousal benefit on your ex’s work record if you were married for at least 10 years. Spousal benefits only grow until your full retirement age (FRA). The $23,760 Social […]
Key Points A down market could whittle your savings down, but you can plan around one. It’s equally important to make sure you have a plan to beat inflation. The right investments coupled with a strategic Social Security claim could do the trick. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › You’ll often […]
Key Points Age 62 is the soonest you can file for Social Security. If you sign up at 62, you’ll face a lifelong reduction to your monthly benefits. Make sure that works out, given your outside income streams, spending needs, and life expectancy. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › As you […]
By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. By Jim Dahle, WCI Founder <!–A reader wrote in explaining that some Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), such as Vanguard Charitable or the Fidelity Giving Account, don’t make it easy to fill out IRS Form 8283, where taxpayers report the donation of anything other […]
The White Coat Investor
Key Points Social Security’s highly anticipated cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be revealed in less than six weeks, on Oct. 14. Two of President Donald Trump’s policies are boosting the prevailing inflation rate, which, in turn, should lead to a well-above-average Social Security raise in 2027. Unfortunately, big COLAs can lead to even bigger problems for […]
Key Points On Oct. 14, the Social Security Administration is expected to announce the 2027 COLA. That’s not the only key piece of news that’s set to arrive that day. Stay tuned for updates that could impact both retirees and working folks alike. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › For many […]
By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. People have always preferred stories over statistics. But I do find it interesting that, in a world awash in data and information, narratives still seem to shape how people feel about the economy. I understand why this is the case. Your personal economy has […]
Ben Carlson
By Thomas Mullooly, originally published at Mullooly Asset Management. One-time financial plan is a myth Why “One-Time Plans” Don’t Work (and What to Do Instead) This video explains why a one-time financial plan is essentially just a snapshot or “checkup” with little lasting value. While others may disagree, at Mullooly Asset Management we believe financial […]
Thomas Mullooly
Key Points Age 70 is generally considered the latest point to sign up for Social Security. You’ll boost your benefits by 24% at 70 compared to claiming Social Security at 67. Larger checks may not only benefit you but also your spouse. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › When it comes […]
