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Social Security’s Trump Bump-Driven 2027 COLA Is Set to Do Something That Hasn’t Been Witnessed in 30 Years

Social Security’s Trump Bump-Driven 2027 COLA Is Set to Do Something That Hasn’t Been Witnessed in 30 Years

Key Points Few announcements are more anticipated by Social Security beneficiaries than the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reveal, which is set for Oct. 14. A second consecutive year with a Trump bump should deliver a well-above-average benefit boost for Social Security recipients in 2027. However, Trump bumps have a dark side and may worsen Social […]

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Not Knowing This Social Security Rule Could Leave You Stuck With Lower Benefits for Life

Not Knowing This Social Security Rule Could Leave You Stuck With Lower Benefits for Life

Key Points Claiming Social Security early will generally result in reduced benefits for life. There’s a way to get around that, but you need to understand your options. Avoiding a permanent reduction in benefits requires you to act quickly. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › It’s hard to avoid the temptation […]

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The Average Investor: How Emotions Could Cost $26,725

The Average Investor: How Emotions Could Cost $26,725

By Thomas Mullooly, originally published at Mullooly Asset Management. The Average Investor: How Emotions Could Cost $26,725 Emotional decisions could cost the average investor $26,725.  We arrived at this amount by examining the posted returns for US equity mutual funds and equity exchange-traded funds (ETF’s) and compared them to the average investor returns discussed in […]

Thomas Mullooly
Millionaires Everywhere

Millionaires Everywhere

By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. Here are some updated statistics on wealth: Fidelity now has nearly 800,000 people with $1 million or more in their 401k plan. Fidelity also has 684,000 customers with $1 million or more in an IRA. The Wall Street Journal says nearly 12,000 taxpayers had […]

Ben Carlson
Haven’t Claimed Your Full 401(k) Match for 2026? 3 Ways to Find the Funds.

Haven’t Claimed Your Full 401(k) Match for 2026? 3 Ways to Find the Funds.

Key Points If your employer offers a 401(k) match, it’s best to do what you can to claim it in full. That could mean rethinking spending or cutting expenses temporarily. It could also mean taking on a side job so you’re able to allocate more of your paycheck to your workplace retirement plan. The $23,760 […]

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Worried a Stock Market Crash Will Upend Your Retirement? This Could Be Your Best Defense.

Worried a Stock Market Crash Will Upend Your Retirement? This Could Be Your Best Defense.

Key Points A stock market crash could put your long-term savings at risk. Maintaining a solid cash cushion could protect your portfolio. The exact amount of cash you stockpile should hinge on your income picture, spending needs, and desire for peace of mind. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’ve […]

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Weekend Reading For Financial Planners (September 12–13)

Weekend Reading For Financial Planners (September 12–13)

Enjoy the current installment of “Weekend Reading For Financial Planners” – this week’s edition kicks off with the news that a recent survey from Vanguard investigates the perspectives of men and women when it comes to investing and working with a financial advisor, finding in some cases that assumptions about these groups might not always […]

Michael Kitces
Don’t Make This Critical Spousal Social Security Mistake at Your Full Retirement Age

Don’t Make This Critical Spousal Social Security Mistake at Your Full Retirement Age

Key Points Spousal Social Security benefits only continue to grow until your full retirement age (FRA). This is different from retirement benefits, which continue growing until age 70. You can’t apply for a spousal Social Security benefit until your partner has applied. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › You want to […]

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Stanley Druckenmiller Delivers a Stark Warning Every Social Security Retiree Should Hear

Stanley Druckenmiller Delivers a Stark Warning Every Social Security Retiree Should Hear

Key Points Reserves for Social Security benefits are on track to be depleted by 2034. Druckenmiller thinks major changes are needed to preserve Social Security in the long run. Rising interest costs on the U.S. debt are fueling the deficit, and bond markets are taking notice. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook […]

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There’s Still Time to Make This Critical Retirement Savings Move for 2026

There’s Still Time to Make This Critical Retirement Savings Move for 2026

Key Points You still have plenty of time to claim your 2026 401(k) match if you haven’t already. Check with your employer if you’re unsure how your 401(k) matching formula works. If you can’t claim your entire 401(k) match, aim to get as much as you can. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely […]

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2 Ways to Make Your 2027 RMDs Less Painful Than Your 2026 RMDs

2 Ways to Make Your 2027 RMDs Less Painful Than Your 2026 RMDs

Key Points Roth IRA conversions can decrease your future RMDs, but they’ll raise your tax bill this year. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is an alternative to RMDs that won’t raise your tax bill. Money you withdraw and donate to a charity yourself won’t qualify as a QCD. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]

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Future Social Security Benefit Cuts Could Exceed $500 per Month on Average in These 28 States — but There’s Still Time to Avoid This

Future Social Security Benefit Cuts Could Exceed $500 per Month on Average in These 28 States — but There’s Still Time to Avoid This

Key Points Social Security is six years away from a possible 22% benefit cut. This could reduce average benefits by up to $556 per month in some states. Washington will likely intervene to prevent these cuts from occurring. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security faces a possible 22% benefit […]

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Don’t Want Your Social Security Benefits Cut? Then Don’t Do This.

Don’t Want Your Social Security Benefits Cut? Then Don’t Do This.

Key Points Social Security benefits face broad cuts due to a pending shortfall. While lawmakers may be able to prevent widespread Social Security cuts, you can do your part to prevent a personal cut. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’ve been reading about Social Security in the news, you […]

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A Short History of Trend-Following and Momentum

A Short History of Trend-Following and Momentum

By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. A reader asks: Are there any studies supporting the success of trend following or momentum? Something showing that momentum can succeed for the retail investor, not just something that works for a few hedge funds. I’m pretty EMH and find it hard to deviate […]

Ben Carlson
Medicare Has a Major Gap All Retirees Should Know About

Medicare Has a Major Gap All Retirees Should Know About

Key Points While Medicare might cover a good number of your health-related needs in retirement, it doesn’t pay for everything. Expect to pay for dental care and other key services on your own unless you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Come up with a strategy for long-term care coverage, since Medicare won’t pick up the […]

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Social Security at 70: When the Math Does and Doesn’t Work

Social Security at 70: When the Math Does and Doesn’t Work

Key Points Social Security benefits increase when you delay your claim past full retirement age. Filing at 70 could boost your retirement income significantly. Don’t mistake a monthly boost with a lifetime boost. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › A lot of people rush into Social Security at 62 because it’s […]

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Living An Analog Life

Living An Analog Life

By Fritz Gilbert, originally published at The Retirement Manifesto. When I first read today’s article, it resonated immediately. I knew that I had to share it as my “Best Of The Month” guest post.   The article put into words the thoughts I’ve been having, but hadn’t found a way to explain. I suspect, as you […]

Fritz Gilbert
Social Security’s 3.6% COLA Forecast for 2027 Brings Mixed Signals for Retirees

Social Security’s 3.6% COLA Forecast for 2027 Brings Mixed Signals for Retirees

Key Points The Senior Citizens League’s current COLA estimate is 0.3% lower than in May. The annual COLA is based on yearly changes in the CPI-W from the third quarter. Recipients should prepare for a loss of purchasing power in their benefits. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Inflation, though a […]

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