Key Points Social Security may be in line for a larger COLA in 2027 than this year’s 2.8% raise. The exact amount of your raise will depend on more than just the official COLA number. You may not get the full picture till later in the year. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely […]
By Rick Kahler, originally published at Financial Awakenings. Over 40-plus years in financial planning, I noticed a common pattern with client couples: in meetings with advisors, one partner usually does most of the talking. The other sits back, nods in the right places, and answers direct questions. The professionals in the room key off the […]
Rick Kahler
Key Points Review your withdrawal strategy to make sure it still works for you. Have a plan for when you’ll claim Social Security if you’re not already signed up. Ensure you have at least a year or two of cash savings on hand before you retire. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook […]
Key Points The proposal is for a flat-rate cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits. Some low earners will get a bigger bump, but most people will get a smaller one. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you ask me, Social Security has enough problems right now — and I’ve just […]
Key Points Typical Social Security benefits and savings for 60-somethings leave a lot to be desired. If you find you’re behind in your goals, working a little longer can make a big difference. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › As you approach retirement, it’s worth taking some time to think through […]
Key Points Early retirement can be risky if you rush into it. Make sure you have a handle on your spending needs and expenses. Stress-test your income plan to ensure that it holds up. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › A lot of people dream of being able to retire early. […]
Key Points Sweeping Social Security benefit cuts are an estimated six years away for retired workers and survivors of deceased workers. Several ongoing demographic shifts, not congressional theft or undocumented workers, are responsible for Social Security’s $29.3 trillion (and growing) unfunded obligation. The public overwhelmingly favors increasing payroll taxation on high earners to resolve Social […]
Welcome to the September 2026 issue of the Latest News in Financial #AdvisorTech – where we look at the big news, announcements, and underlying trends and developments that are emerging in the world of technology solutions for financial advisors! This month’s edition kicks off with the news that Altruist has been acquired by Vanguard, representing […]
Michael Kitces
By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. The top 10 stocks in the S&P 500 make up almost 40% of the index. Each of the companies in the top 10 sport a market cap of $1 trillion or more. In fact, as of this writing, the 12 biggest companies all have […]
Ben Carlson
Key Points Many seniors are hoping for a generous Social Security COLA in the new year. While the number won’t come out until mid-October, retirees could get a better picture of the 2027 COLA later this week. Even if next year’s COLA is fairly large, it may not be enough to improve your financial situation. […]
Key Points Current estimates are calling for a larger COLA in 2027 than what seniors got earlier in 2026. Even if next year’s COLA is more substantial, history suggests seniors may end up disappointed. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you were disappointed in your 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, […]
Key Points Most 401(k)s have vesting schedules that determine when you’re eligible to keep your employer match. Quitting your job before you’re fully vested could cost you some or all of your match. Leaving some of your match behind could still be the right choice in some situations. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]
Key Points Claiming Social Security at age 62 can reduce your checks by up to 30%. It could also put you at risk of losing more money to the earnings test if you’re still working. Those with short life expectancies and dependents may prefer not to claim Social Security at all. The $23,760 Social Security […]
Key Points At 55, you may be able to tap your 401(k) without an early withdrawal penalty. While that flexibility might help you retire early, you won’t be eligible for Medicare for another 10 years. Before you make an early workforce exit, consider the cost of staying insured for a decade. The $23,760 Social Security […]
Key Points Few announcements are more anticipated than the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reveal in October. Two of President Donald Trump’s policies are directly affecting consumer prices and lifting COLA estimates for 2027. Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in traditional Medicare may be in for a pleasant surprise next year. However, Social Security’s annual […]
Key Points Many Social Security recipients want to know how much their benefits will increase in the new year. That announcement should arrive in mid-October. There are clues as to what to expect, but rising or cooling inflation in the coming weeks could change the equation. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook […]
Key Points Two Trump administration policies have led to higher prices in 2026. Projections for next year’s COLA are narrowing as we get more data. The official number will be released on Oct. 14. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › We’re just a few weeks away from learning one of the […]
Key Points You generally must be married for at least one year to qualify for spousal Social Security benefits. You may be eligible to claim a spousal benefit on your ex’s work record if you were married for at least 10 years. Spousal benefits only grow until your full retirement age (FRA). The $23,760 Social […]
101-250 of its clients receive financial planning services.
Bluestem Financial Advisors, LLC reports charging hourly charges and commissions.
Note: this firm can be paid commissions on products it sells, which is a conflict of interest worth asking about.
Bluestem Financial Advisors, LLC reported no disciplinary disclosures on Item 11 of its latest Form ADV. That covers the firm and its associated people at the time of filing; verify the current position on the official SEC record.
Every figure on this page is taken from Bluestem Financial Advisors, LLC’s own Form ADV Part 1 filing with the SEC, last filed July 16, 2026. Retirely does not verify these figures and is not affiliated with this firm. Nothing here is advice or a recommendation to hire or avoid any adviser. Confirm the current record at adviserinfo.sec.gov.
