Key Points Social Security benefits are an important source of income but the rules can be confusing. If you don’t understand how your benefits work, you could end up costing yourself money. This can be an especially big issue the first year if certain Social Security rules catch you off guard. The $23,760 Social Security […]
Welcome everyone! Welcome to the 507th episode of the Financial Advisor Success Podcast! My guest on today’s podcast is Carolyn McClanahan. Carolyn is the founder of Life Planning Partners, an RIA based in Jacksonville, Florida, that oversees $300 million in assets under management for 65 client households. What’s unique about Carolyn, though, is how she […]
Michael Kitces
Key Points Following inflation data from August, Social Security’s upcoming COLA projection has shifted upward. Many seniors are hoping to see a much larger raise. A giant COLA is a sign that inflation is picking up, which isn’t helpful to retirees. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If someone were to […]
Key Points The average is bigger than you might expect, although most people in this peer group have saved up much less than the average. The real surprise is how much less Generation X has saved in their retirement accounts outside of workplace retirement plans (compared to baby boomers). Although it’s an interesting reference point […]
By Rick Kahler, originally published at Financial Awakenings. For most of my career I’ve heard predictions, usually from the party not in power, that the federal debt would end in collapse. Not having seen a collapse yet, I’m skeptical of new warnings. But a recent one includes one fact that isn’t a prediction at all, […]
Rick Kahler
Key Points A 401(k) is a great option if it’s available to you, especially if you qualify for a match. Those with high-deductible health insurance plans can stash money in an HSA. A taxable brokerage account could be a good choice for those hoping to retire early. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely […]
Key Points Social Security recipients are due for an increase in their payments at the beginning of the coming year. The size of this rise will be announced in October once September’s inflation data is reported. However, it accelerates a growing problem for continued solvency of the entire Social Security program. The $23,760 Social Security […]
Key Points Social Security benefits may be headed for sweeping cuts if lawmakers don’t intervene. Because I have a very specific use for Social Security in retirement, those cuts may be less of an issue for me. There’s also a chance benefits won’t end up being reduced at all. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most […]
Key Points You may get a larger lifetime benefit by applying earlier if you have a short life expectancy. Delaying until 70 isn’t your best option if you need your checks to pay your bills today. Your spouse can’t claim a spousal benefit on your work record until you apply for retirement benefits. The $23,760 […]
Heavy turnover leaves advisory firms in a vicious cycle of allocating resources to recruit and onboard new advisors, only to lose them before they generate enough value for the firm to recover its investment. And given that McKinsey projects a shortage of more than 100,000 financial advisors over the next decade, it’s never been more […]
Michael Kitces
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 […]
Key Points An ex-spouse can claim Social Security based on your work record only if they’re eligible. Your ex-spouse can receive benefits even if you’ve remarried. Your ex will need to provide proof of your marriage and divorce. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Picture this: You’re divorced and remarried to […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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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