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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Social Security’s COLA for 2027 Is Shaping Up to Be Historically Unique in a Key Way — But Several Problems Loom
Key Points Estimates of the upcoming Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 have recently gone up — and down. The upcoming COLA will likely mark six years in a row of increases of 2.5% or more. But Social Security faces some pressing challenges and needs to be strengthened. One proposal is to shrink COLAs […]