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 […]
Enjoy the current installment of “Weekend Reading For Financial Planners” – this week’s edition kicks off with the news that a survey has found that, at a time when many financial advisors are leaning into comprehensive wealth management services, more than half of RIA client assets amongst respondents are invested in model portfolios. That said, […]
Michael Kitces
Key Points Required minimum distributions (RMDs) apply to non-Roth retirement accounts. You must take your RMD every year by Dec. 31 or otherwise risk a penalty. Putting those withdrawals on autopilot could prevent a costly mistake. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Using a traditional IRA or 401(k) to save for […]
By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. EDITOR’S NOTE: Looking for a way to get the best insurance policies while saving a bunch of cash-all in one place at one time? Call 877-379-5402, email [email protected], or log in to Rate Insurance, where you can save big bucks on your home, […]
The White Coat Investor
Key Points Claiming Social Security at age 62 could permanently reduce your checks by up to 30%. Early claiming could also result in a smaller lifetime benefit for some people. Applying at 62 may still make sense for those with short life expectancies or limited financial resources. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely […]
Key Points August inflation data will come in on Sept. 11 — and retirees will want to keep a watch. This will give us the second-to-last data point we need for the 2027 COLA calculation. We will learn the official 2027 cost of living adjustment when it’s announced on Oct. 14. The $23,760 Social Security […]
Key Points Current estimates are calling for a larger Social Security COLA in 2027 than the raise that came through this year. Even if that ends up happening, that COLA may not actually keep up with real-world costs for seniors. Changing the COLA formula could help Social Security benefits avoid losing buying power. The $23,760 […]
By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. A reader asks: I’m 44. I lived through the Dot-com bust and 2008, which just taught me to be a machine. I don’t get defensive; I just relentlessly dollar-cost average. My secret to staying the course has been reading financial books to keep my […]
Ben Carlson
Key Points The average 40-year-old today has modest 401(k) savings. If your balance isn’t where you want it to be, there are some essential steps you can take. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › By the time you turn 40, you’ve hopefully made some progress on retirement savings. But you may […]
Key Points The average 62-year-old could get about $50 more per month with a 3.6% 2027 COLA. The actual COLA could be higher or lower, depending on what inflation does over the coming month. We’ll learn the official 2027 Social Security COLA on Oct. 14, 2026. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook […]
Key Points A 3.6% Social Security COLA could increase checks by up to $187 per month next year. The average Social Security benefit would only increase by $75 per month. The 2027 COLA isn’t locked in yet — we won’t know it until Oct. 14, 2026. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook […]
Key Points Social Security’s 2027 COLA forecast recently got a downgrade. Even if the COLA comes in higher than expected, it may not hold up well to inflation in practice. Retirees can cope by working part-time and reducing expenses. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Many seniors on Social Security were […]
By Fritz Gilbert, originally published at The Retirement Manifesto. An old man is knocking at my door. At some point, he’ll find a way to get in. Once he enters, I know he’ll be here to stay. Until then, I’m doing everything in my power to keep him out. Today, some thoughts on that old […]
Fritz Gilbert
Key Points Switching to a survivor benefit will increase your monthly Social Security checks. Remarriage may not render you ineligible to claim a survivor benefit. The amount of Social Security benefit taxes you owe going forward could change. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › A spouse passing away changes a lot […]
