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Altruist’s Acquisition By Vanguard Is More About ETF Costs Than Custodial Tech (And More Of The Latest In Financial #AdvisorTech – September 2026)

Altruist’s Acquisition By Vanguard Is More About ETF Costs Than Custodial Tech (And More Of The Latest In Financial #AdvisorTech – September 2026)

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
It’s a Concentrated World

It’s a Concentrated World

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
A Key Clue About Social Security’s 2027 COLA Should Be Revealed This Week

A Key Clue About Social Security’s 2027 COLA Should Be Revealed This Week

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. […]

The Motley Fool
Think Your Next Social Security Raise Will Be Enough? History Says Otherwise.

Think Your Next Social Security Raise Will Be Enough? History Says Otherwise.

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, […]

The Motley Fool
Leaving Your Job Could Cost You Your 401(k) Match If You Haven’t Met This Overlooked Rule

Leaving Your Job Could Cost You Your 401(k) Match If You Haven’t Met This Overlooked Rule

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 […]

The Motley Fool
3 Signs You Shouldn’t Claim Social Security at 62

3 Signs You Shouldn’t Claim Social Security at 62

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 […]

The Motley Fool
Thinking About Retiring at 55? The Hidden Health Insurance Trap You Must Plan For.

Thinking About Retiring at 55? The Hidden Health Insurance Trap You Must Plan For.

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 […]

The Motley Fool
Social Security’s Trump Bump-Led 2027 COLA Should Have Its First Silver Lining Since 2023, but There’s a Steep Price to Pay for This Victory

Social Security’s Trump Bump-Led 2027 COLA Should Have Its First Silver Lining Since 2023, but There’s a Steep Price to Pay for This Victory

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 […]

The Motley Fool
Mark Your Calendar: Here’s the Exact Date the Next Social Security COLA Will Be Announced

Mark Your Calendar: Here’s the Exact Date the Next Social Security COLA Will Be Announced

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 […]

The Motley Fool
3 Things Too Many People Get Wrong About Spousal Social Security Benefits

3 Things Too Many People Get Wrong About Spousal Social Security Benefits

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 […]

The Motley Fool
This Could Drain Your Retirement Savings Faster Than a Bear Market

This Could Drain Your Retirement Savings Faster Than a Bear Market

Key Points A down market could whittle your savings down, but you can plan around one. It’s equally important to make sure you have a plan to beat inflation. The right investments coupled with a strategic Social Security claim could do the trick. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › You’ll often […]

The Motley Fool
Think You’ll Claim Social Security at 62? Ask Yourself These 3 Questions First.

Think You’ll Claim Social Security at 62? Ask Yourself These 3 Questions First.

Key Points Age 62 is the soonest you can file for Social Security. If you sign up at 62, you’ll face a lifelong reduction to your monthly benefits. Make sure that works out, given your outside income streams, spending needs, and life expectancy. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › As you […]

The Motley Fool
How to Report Non-Cash Charitable Contributions for Your DAF (IRS Form 8283)

How to Report Non-Cash Charitable Contributions for Your DAF (IRS Form 8283)

By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. By Jim Dahle, WCI Founder <!–A reader wrote in explaining that some Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), such as Vanguard Charitable or the Fidelity Giving Account, don’t make it easy to fill out IRS Form 8283, where taxpayers report the donation of anything other […]

The White Coat Investor
Social Security’s Trump Bump-Driven 2027 COLA Comes With Potentially Serious Unintended Consequences

Social Security’s Trump Bump-Driven 2027 COLA Comes With Potentially Serious Unintended Consequences

Key Points Social Security’s highly anticipated cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be revealed in less than six weeks, on Oct. 14. Two of President Donald Trump’s policies are boosting the prevailing inflation rate, which, in turn, should lead to a well-above-average Social Security raise in 2027. Unfortunately, big COLAs can lead to even bigger problems for […]

The Motley Fool
3 Social Security Changes Coming Alongside the Next COLA

3 Social Security Changes Coming Alongside the Next COLA

Key Points On Oct. 14, the Social Security Administration is expected to announce the 2027 COLA. That’s not the only key piece of news that’s set to arrive that day. Stay tuned for updates that could impact both retirees and working folks alike. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › For many […]

The Motley Fool
Will Young People Ever Buy a House?

Will Young People Ever Buy a House?

By Ben Carlson, originally published at A Wealth of Common Sense. People have always preferred stories over statistics. But I do find it interesting that, in a world awash in data and information, narratives still seem to shape how people feel about the economy. I understand why this is the case. Your personal economy has […]

Ben Carlson
One-time financial plan is a myth

One-time financial plan is a myth

By Thomas Mullooly, originally published at Mullooly Asset Management. One-time financial plan is a myth Why “One-Time Plans” Don’t Work (and What to Do Instead) This video explains why a one-time financial plan is essentially just a snapshot or “checkup” with little lasting value. While others may disagree, at Mullooly Asset Management we believe financial […]

Thomas Mullooly