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I Don’t Plan to Claim Social Security at 62, but This 1 Thing Could Change My Mind

Key Points I plan to claim Social Security at age 70 to maximize my household benefits. If my health took a turn for the worse, I’d consider signing up early. I might choose not to apply for benefits at all if I didn’t need the cash to increase my family’s survivor benefits. The $23,760 Social […]

1h ago The Motley Fool

How Much Bigger Will the 2027 Social Security COLA Be Than 2026’s Raise? The Answer May Surprise You.

Key Points The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was 2.8%. Current estimates are calling for a much larger boost in 2027. Even if a generous increase comes through, there’s a big “gotcha” to keep in mind. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Earlier this year, Social Security benefits got a […]

3h ago The Motley Fool

New to Social Security? 2 Rules That Could Catch You Off Guard.

Key Points Some people claim Social Security without reading up on the program’s rules. You should know that if you’re working and getting benefits, you may be subject to an earnings test, depending on your age. Your benefits may also be subject to taxes, depending on your income picture. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most […]

5h ago The Motley Fool

My Bond Portfolio Allocation Explained: Short-Term Treasury ETF

By Jonathan Ping, originally published at My Money Blog. Most people worry about stock drama, but every so often, there is also bond drama. Bonds are debt, which means people worry when there’s an increased chance you won’t get paid back. However, the goal of my bond holdings is to have at least 5 years […]

11h ago

Jonathan Ping

3 Big Misconceptions About the 4% Rule You Need to Get to the Bottom Of

Key Points The 4% rule tells you to withdraw 4% of your savings your first year of retirement and adjust future withdrawals for inflation. Not understanding who the rule is suited for and how it works could create financial troubles for you. Recognize that the rule is meant to support a specific timeline and asset […]

18h ago The Motley Fool

3 Ways Delaying Retirement Can Make Your Future a Lot More Comfortable

Key Points Delaying retirement gives you more time to save for your future. Your existing investments also have more time to grow. Shorter retirements cost less than longer retirements. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Delaying retirement usually isn’t something you do because you want to. It’s often a necessity because […]

21h ago The Motley Fool

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period Is Only a Month Away. 3 Things to Do Now to Prepare.

Key Points Review your current insurance coverage and identify what you like and dislike about it. Record all medications, specialists, and services you expect to need in 2027. Figure out how much you can afford to spend on premiums and deductibles next year. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › The 2027 […]

1d ago The Motley Fool

3 Reasons Not to Delay Retirement — Even When Your Brain Keeps Telling You to Wait

Key Points Delaying retirement could allow you to save more and stretch your savings further. It doesn’t make sense to delay retirement if your health is starting to decline and your job is compounding the problem. Once you’ve saved enough, the extra money may not be so meaningful to you. The $23,760 Social Security bonus […]

1d ago The Motley Fool

Social Security’s COLA for 2027 Is Shaping Up to Be Historically Unique in a Key Way — But Several Problems Loom

Key Points Estimates of the upcoming Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 have recently gone up — and down. The upcoming COLA will likely mark six years in a row of increases of 2.5% or more. But Social Security faces some pressing challenges and needs to be strengthened. One proposal is to shrink COLAs […]

1d ago The Motley Fool

Breaking Bad News To A Client About Prior Problematic Financial Decisions: Kitces & Carl 199

When a financial advisor engages a new client, they are analyzing a lifetime’s worth of financial decisions that have brought the client to this point. While this often includes many great decisions, it is also likely that a client has mis-stepped along the way… or at minimum, made suboptimal decisions for their goals. Yet these […]

1d ago

Michael Kitces

The 2027 Social Security COLA Announcement Is Just Weeks Away. Here’s What to Expect.

Key Points The Social Security Administration will announce the 2027 COLA on Oct. 14, 2026. The latest COLA estimate is 3.5%, down slightly from earlier estimates. A 3.5% boost would add roughly $73 to the average monthly retirement benefit. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › The Social Security Administration will announce […]

1d ago The Motley Fool

Social Security’s Upcoming COLA Forecast Was Just Updated: Here’s How Much Your Check Could Grow

Key Points Social Security’s 2027 COLA should be announced in mid-October. For now, projections are 3.5% to 3.6%. The typical Social Security benefit could increase by over $70 per month next year, but there’s a wild card to account for. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’re eager to know […]

1d ago The Motley Fool

We’re Less Than a Month Away from Big Social Security COLA News

Key Points There’s major news coming for Social Security retirees in October. On Oct. 14, 2026, Social Security will make an announcement affecting 2027 benefits. Retirees may need to adjust their 2027 financial plans after the October news release. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › One of the most important days […]

1d ago The Motley Fool

Grubhub: $20 off $30 for Amazon Prime Members

By Jonathan Ping, originally published at My Money Blog. Amazon Prime membership includes Grubhub+, and there’s a new $20 off a $30 purchase deal with promo code DEALS20. The code works on both delivery and pickup. I tried out Taco Bell pickup and added 16 cheesy bean and rice burritos at $2 each for $12 […]

1d ago

Jonathan Ping

Retirement Milestone: The 401(k) Balance That Puts 65-Year-Olds Ahead of the Pack

Key Points A 401(k) is a valuable tool for building retirement savings and, for many, their largest investment account. The average 401(k) balance differs greatly from the median balance. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › It is very hard to avoid comparing yourself to others, even though it can be harmful […]

1d ago The Motley Fool

A Big Social Security Change Could Be Coming in 2027, and Higher Earners Will Feel it the Most

Key Points Social Security is primarily funded by payroll taxes. There’s a limit as to how much income the program taxes each year. Social Security’s wage cap is likely to rise in 2027, and some workers could feel the pain. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › At this point, a lot […]

1d ago The Motley Fool

Don’t Roth All of Your 401(k) Money

By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. By Jim Dahle, WCI Founder <!–Moderation in all things is a good way to live your life. This certainly applies to the Roth contribution/conversion dilemma, the most complicated question in personal finance and investing. Anyone who thinks this is an easy issue really […]

2d ago

The White Coat Investor

What the Latest Social Security COLA Forecasts Mean for Your $2,000 Benefit in 2027

Key Points The coming annual cost-of-living adjustment will be confirmed near the end of next month. Following last week’s release of August’s inflation data, a couple of forecasts for 2027’s COLA have recently been updated. The implied number is certainly close enough for Social Security recipients to start thinking about even before the official number […]

2d ago The Motley Fool

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