Could the 2027 Social Security COLA Still Get a Downgrade Before Oct. 14? Here’s What All Retirees Need to Know.

Current estimates point to a significant boost, but it's not set in stone.

36m ago · The Motley Fool

Social Security Retirees Aren’t Getting a Real Raise in 2027, No Matter What the COLA Numbers Say

While many seniors are hoping for a large cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), they won't actually be getting a raise in the traditional sense.

1h ago · The Motley Fool

3 Reasons Claiming Social Security at 62 Could Backfire

Just because you can get your benefits sooner doesn't mean you should.

15h ago · The Motley Fool

What 1 Popular Retirement Rule Says You Should Have Saved by Age 67

Here's the answer to the big question: How much money do I need to save for retirement?

18h ago · The Motley Fool

How to Know if You’re Spending Too Little in Retirement

For some retirees, the effort it took to save for retirement makes spending down their retirement account too stressful.

18h ago · The Motley Fool

Are You Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment? 3 Things You Can Do Now.

A few key moves in the coming weeks could make the process go more smoothly.

19h ago · The Motley Fool

When Will Social Security Announce the 2027 COLA? Here’s the Exact Date

Here’s when we’ll know the official COLA and how it will be calculated.

20h ago · The Motley Fool

Social Security’s Trump Bump-Driven 2027 COLA Is Shaping Up as a Good-News/Bad-News Scenario

Outsize Social Security raises come with a silver lining for tens of millions of retirees, but also the potential for serious consequences.

22h ago · The Motley Fool

When Social Security Isn’t Enough: How to Close the Gap

Given the number of American seniors who live on Social Security alone, it's important to know where to turn for help.

22h ago · The Motley Fool

These 2027 Social Security Changes May Surprise Retirees

Be on the lookout for a number of key updates.

1d ago · The Motley Fool

Weekend Reading For Financial Planners (September 19–20)

Enjoy the current installment of “Weekend Reading For Financial Planners” – this week’s edition kicks off with the news that Anthropic announced an advisor-specific plug-in to its Claude tool, which will incorporate data from many key advisor tech tools. While the new “Claude for Financial Advisors” plug-in offers the potential to solve the long-simmering problem […]

1d ago · Michael Kitces

3 Things All 2026 Social Security Applicants Should Know About the 2027 COLA

Key Points The Social Security Administration will announce the 2027 COLA on Oct. 14, 2026. It will also announce several other key program changes at the same time. The 2027 COLA begins in January, but will be seen in the Dec. 31, 2026, payment. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › We’re […]

1d ago · The Motley Fool

Your RMD Deadline Is Closer Than You Think — Miss It and Pay Dearly

Key Points RMDs are due each year by Dec. 31. Missing an RMD deadline can result in a 25% penalty on the required amount. Proactively managing your RMD can help you avoid penalties. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › You’re roughly 15 weeks away from Dec. 31, the annual deadline for […]

1d ago · The Motley Fool

A Key Medicare Document Should Be Coming Your Way This Month, and All Enrollees Should Be on the Lookout

Key Points Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change from year to year. Plan administrators are required to notify enrollees of changes ahead of Medicare’s fall open enrollment. Make sure to read your notice of change carefully so you’ll know whether to keep your current plan or find a new one. The $23,760 Social […]

1d ago · The Motley Fool

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 […]

1d 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 […]

1d 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 […]

2d ago · The Motley Fool

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 […]

2d ago · The Motley Fool