By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. By Jim Dahle, WCI Founder <!–Retirement is classically divided into three stages based on the activity level of the retiree: The go-go years The slow-go years The no-go years Financially speaking, people tend to spend more during the go-go years (often on travel) […]
The White Coat Investor
Over the decades, the work that financial advisors do has changed considerably – from product sales to investment management to more ‘holistic’ financial advice and behavioral coaching. As the advisor’s offerings have shifted, so too have their fee models: product sales have evolved towards an assets under management (AUM) model. Some of today’s advisors, facing […]
Michael Kitces
By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. A lot of people are worried about the impact of artificial intelligence For good reason. Here’s something Bill Gates said this week: “In private, people who understand how good this stuff is, and how much better it’s getting, they’re very worried,” he said. But […]
Ben Carlson
Key Points A Social Security claim at 62 reduces your monthly checks for life. If you have a lot of savings and don’t need the money per se, early access to it could be a positive thing. If you don’t have a spouse to worry about and are concerned about a shorter lifespan, an early […]
Key Points Required minimum distributions (RMDs) apply to non-Roth retirement accounts. Failing to take RMDs could leave you facing steep penalties, but there’s a way around that. RMDs could drive up your taxes, but one strategy could minimize the sting. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › There’s a reason people are […]
Key Points The goal of building a retirement nest egg is to use those saving to support spending in retirement. Some savers never manage to shake the habit of saving, which could be bad for them and even their heirs. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › How much is enough? That’s […]
Key Points Not knowing the ins and outs of Social Security could cost you. Make sure you understand what happens if you work while collecting benefits. Know what happens if you file for benefits too early or claim spousal benefits too late. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If there’s one […]
By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. By Jim Dahle, WCI Founder <!–I confess that I play favorites. Back in 2005, when I finally started figuring out what the heck I was doing with my four-figure investment portfolio, the first mutual fund I ever purchased without the “assistance” of a […]
The White Coat Investor
Key Points One of the most anticipated days of the year for Social Security’s more than 71 million traditional beneficiaries — the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reveal — is rapidly approaching. Two of President Trump’s policies are directly affecting consumer prices and influencing next year’s Social Security COLA estimates. In addition to traditional beneficiaries receiving one […]
Image source: Getty Images Short answer: yes, you can, but it’s harder than it should be, and it’s not a sure thing. A 650 credit score sits in what lenders call the “fair” credit range. Most balance transfer cards are built for people in the next range up, good to excellent credit, which usually starts […]
Key Points A lower COLA means a smaller increase in Social Security checks. COLAs are based on July, August, and September inflation rates. Originally designed to help seniors keep pace with inflation, COLAs sometimes miss the mark. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Projections are a funny thing. What seems like […]
Key Points Social Security may be your only guaranteed income source for life in retirement. Before filing for benefits, make sure you know what your spending needs entail. That could help you avoid a decision you regret. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Retirement is a period of life that requires […]
Key Points The maximum 2027 Social Security benefit increase will be $187, assuming a 3.6% COLA. The average benefit increase will be closer to $75 per month. We should learn the official 2027 COLA on Oct. 14, 2026. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › The 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) […]
Key Points If money has been getting increasing tight in retirement, it’s time to take action. That could mean returning to part-time work. It could also mean making strategic housing and healthcare decisions. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’re having a hard time paying your bills in retirement, you’re […]
Key Points A popular rule from Fidelity says you should have saved 10x your salary by age 67 to retire comfortably. This would give the average worker a savings target of about $650,000. Try to increase your savings rate and claim any 401(k) match you qualify for if you’re behind where you want to be. […]
Key Points Working and claiming Social Security could cause you to owe more Social Security benefit taxes. A lot depends on your provisional income — which incorporates several factors. Plan for these taxes in advance so that you aren’t caught off guard by your tax bill. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook […]
Key Points Filing for Social Security at 62 will shrink your monthly checks by about 30% compared to waiting until full retirement age. An early claim could also result in smaller survivor benefits for your spouse. If you’re the higher earner in your household, you may not want to sign up for benefits at 62. […]
Key Points Medicare Part B premiums and Social Security benefit taxes might consume some or all of your COLA. We will learn the 2027 Medicare Part B premium increase later this year. You could owe ordinary income taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits in 2027. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most […]
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