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Social Security’s Biggest Announcement of the Year Is Just 1 Month Away

Social Security’s Biggest Announcement of the Year Is Just 1 Month Away

Key Points On Oct. 14, the Social Security Administration is scheduled to announce an official 2027 COLA. Currently estimates put next year’s COLA in the mid-3% range. If inflation wiggles a lot in September, that number could change. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Millions of retired Americans today collect Social […]

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People Hate Paying Taxes More Than They Like Making Money

People Hate Paying Taxes More Than They Like Making Money

By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. Taxes are a funny thing. No one likes paying them. Everyone does their best to minimize them when possible. A dollar saved on taxes feels multiple times better than a dollar earned from a paycheck. People hate paying taxes even more than they enjoy […]

Ben Carlson
The Stealth Social Security Move That Could Help You Beat Inflation in Retirement

The Stealth Social Security Move That Could Help You Beat Inflation in Retirement

Key Points Delaying Social Security past full retirement age results in boosted monthly checks. It could also give you more inflation protection. Though filing late isn’t right for everyone, it’s a move worth considering. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › There are certain threats to financial security in retirement everyone should […]

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This Could Be the Biggest Problem With Retiring in Your 50s

This Could Be the Biggest Problem With Retiring in Your 50s

Key Points You may need a lot of savings to be able to stop working for good in your 50s. You might also face huge costs related to health insurance. Even if you can jump those hurdles, accessing your nest egg penalty-free may be your biggest challenge. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely […]

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You Probably Can’t Claim Social Security the Moment You Turn 62. Here’s Why.

You Probably Can’t Claim Social Security the Moment You Turn 62. Here’s Why.

Key Points You can only claim Social Security the month you turn 62 if you were born on the first or second of the month. Delaying your Social Security application slowly increases the amount of your checks. Social Security benefits are paid in the month after they’re due. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]

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3 Tips to Help You Max Out Your IRA Before the End of 2026

3 Tips to Help You Max Out Your IRA Before the End of 2026

Key Points Make regular IRA contributions on a set schedule for the remainder of 2026. Increase your contribution rate, if possible, or consider a side hustle. Put any year-end bonus you qualify for into your IRA. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › You’re allowed to contribute up to $7,500 to an […]

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Retiring in 2027? 3 Essential Financial Moves to Make

Retiring in 2027? 3 Essential Financial Moves to Make

Key Points Make sure you have a well-thought-out budget. Figure out when you’ll claim Social Security. Stress-test your income plan to ensure it holds up. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’re retiring at any point in 2027, now’s the time to get serious about your financial plans. Even if […]

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Why a Lower Social Security COLA Forecast for 2027 Could Be Good News for Retirees

Why a Lower Social Security COLA Forecast for 2027 Could Be Good News for Retirees

Key Points The 2027 COLA may not be as large as some earlier estimates suggest. A smaller COLA would mean Social Security checks don’t increase by as much in 2027. This could actually be a good thing for retirees, as a smaller COLA means inflation isn’t as high. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]

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Skipping Social Security Could Pay Off Big Time in This 1 Scenario

Skipping Social Security Could Pay Off Big Time in This 1 Scenario

Key Points Skipping Social Security could increase survivor benefits available to your loved ones after your death. Delaying Social Security benefits increases your monthly checks until you qualify for your largest benefit at 70. Whether this is the right move for you depends on your age and finances. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]

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Roth Conversions

Roth Conversions

By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. By Jim Dahle, WCI Founder <!–The process of doing a Roth conversion is not particularly complicated. What CAN be complicated is the decision about whether to do one and how much to convert. In fact, that decision (very similar to the Roth vs. […]

The White Coat Investor
Social Security’s Trump Bump-Powered 2027 COLA Should Yield a Rare Silver Lining and a Dark Cloud

Social Security’s Trump Bump-Powered 2027 COLA Should Yield a Rare Silver Lining and a Dark Cloud

Key Points The all-important question of how much Social Security benefits will rise in 2027 will be answered on Oct. 14. Two of President Donald Trump’s policies are directly affecting consumer prices and raising estimates for Social Security’s 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). However, beefier Social Security raises have a significant downside for a program that’s […]

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Turning 73 This Year? Watch Out for This Tax Torpedo.

Turning 73 This Year? Watch Out for This Tax Torpedo.

Key Points Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) increase your adjusted gross income (AGI). The government looks at your AGI when determining whether you owe Social Security taxes. There are ways to reduce the effect that RMDs have on your tax bill. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Turning 73 means you’ll have […]

The Motley Fool
If Social Security Benefits Are Slashed, These 10 States Will Get Hit the Worst

If Social Security Benefits Are Slashed, These 10 States Will Get Hit the Worst

Key Points All Social Security beneficiaries could face a 22% benefit cut if nothing changes. This could be especially devastating to states with low average incomes. A 22% benefit cut is unlikely, but avoiding one might bring higher taxes for workers. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security beneficiaries face […]

The Motley Fool
If These Situations Apply to You, Claiming Social Security at 70 Could Be Your Best Bet

If These Situations Apply to You, Claiming Social Security at 70 Could Be Your Best Bet

Key Points You can claim Social Security at any time once you turn 62. Waiting until age 70 results in significantly boosted benefits for life. Though delaying doesn’t always make sense, it can work out well financially under the right circumstances. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Once you turn 62, […]

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Worried About RMDs in Retirement? 3 Key Moves to Lower the Hassle Factors.

Worried About RMDs in Retirement? 3 Key Moves to Lower the Hassle Factors.

Key Points If you have savings in a traditional IRA or 401(k), you’ll be subject to required minimum distributions. A Roth conversion could help minimize those required withdrawals. Also explore your options for charitable giving. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you have retirement savings in a traditional IRA or […]

The Motley Fool
The Social Security COLA Forecast Was Updated for 2027: What Retirees Need to Know

The Social Security COLA Forecast Was Updated for 2027: What Retirees Need to Know

Key Points Social Security benefits are eligible for a cost-of-living adjustment every year. An official COLA won’t be released until mid-October. Recent estimates have bumped the 2027 COLA higher, but only by a small margin. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › There are many retired Americans who end up collecting Social […]

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How Does Your 401(k) Stack Up Against the Typical 60-Year-Old Saver?

How Does Your 401(k) Stack Up Against the Typical 60-Year-Old Saver?

Key Points Once you reach your 60s, you are very close to retirement. While you still have opportunities to save, hopefully, you have a substantial 401(k) balance. Seeing how much your peers have saved can offer insight into your progress. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › When you have reached your […]

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