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5% Bond Yields

5% Bond Yields

By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. A reader asks: I don’t totally understand bonds. Is the yield on the Agg the equivalent of a near guaranteed 5.2% annual return? Here are the portfolio characteristics for the iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG): The number you want to pay attention […]

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

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 […]

The Motley Fool
My Bond Portfolio Allocation Explained: Short-Term Treasury ETF

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

The Motley Fool