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The Retirement Risk Most Investors Overlook Could Leave You With Too Much

The Retirement Risk Most Investors Overlook Could Leave You With Too Much

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 […]

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3 Social Security Rules Too Many Retirees Don’t Know About

3 Social Security Rules Too Many Retirees Don’t Know About

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 […]

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My Favorite Mutual Fund

My Favorite Mutual Fund

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
Social Security’s Trump Bump-Led 2027 COLA Is Set to Make History 3 Different Ways

Social Security’s Trump Bump-Led 2027 COLA Is Set to Make History 3 Different Ways

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 […]

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I Have a 650 Credit Score. Can I Still Get a Balance Transfer Card?

I Have a 650 Credit Score. Can I Still Get a Balance Transfer Card?

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 […]

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If You Haven’t Done This Calculation, You’re Not Ready to Claim Social Security

If You Haven’t Done This Calculation, You’re Not Ready to Claim Social Security

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 […]

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Here’s the Maximum Social Security Increase You Could Get From a 3.6% 2027 COLA

Here’s the Maximum Social Security Increase You Could Get From a 3.6% 2027 COLA

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) […]

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Struggling to Cover Your Costs in Retirement? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself.

Struggling to Cover Your Costs in Retirement? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself.

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 […]

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These 2 Expenses Might Eat Up More of Your 2027 Social Security COLA Than Expected

These 2 Expenses Might Eat Up More of Your 2027 Social Security COLA Than Expected

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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Do You Need $1 Million for a Comfortable Retirement? Here’s the Truth.

Do You Need $1 Million for a Comfortable Retirement? Here’s the Truth.

Key Points Many people focus on saving $1 million for retirement. If you have modest needs, you may be able to get by on much less. Rather than fixate on $1 million, focus on what savings figure you need to support your personal expenses. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If […]

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Some Extreme Ways to Dramatically Reduce Your Tax Bill

Some Extreme Ways to Dramatically Reduce Your Tax Bill

By The White Coat Investor, originally published at The White Coat Investor. EDITOR’S NOTE: Deadine alert! August 31 is the final day you can apply for the WCI Medical School Scholarship, which will give away $55,000 to professional students in the US. For all the details of this year’s scholarship (or to find out how […]

The White Coat Investor
The Critical Social Security Decision You May Have to Make After Your Spouse Dies

The Critical Social Security Decision You May Have to Make After Your Spouse Dies

Key Points A spouse’s death may force you to choose between claiming a retirement benefit and a survivor benefit. You may be able to strategically delay one and then switch benefits later to maximize your household income. Contact the Social Security Administration to switch benefit types. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook […]

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The Fastest Way to Get Your Credit Score From 750 to 800

The Fastest Way to Get Your Credit Score From 750 to 800

Image source: Getty Images If your score is sitting at 750, the fastest way to reach 800 is to fine-tune one number: your credit utilization. That’s the share of your available credit you’re actually using. Here’s a quick refresher in what makes up your typical FICO® Score: Payment History (35%) Credit utilization (30%) Length of […]

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Social Security’s Supercharged, Trump Bump-Driven 2027 COLA May Hasten the Timeline to Sweeping Benefit Cuts

Social Security’s Supercharged, Trump Bump-Driven 2027 COLA May Hasten the Timeline to Sweeping Benefit Cuts

Key Points Few announcements are more anticipated by retirees than the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reveal. Two of President Donald Trump’s policies are boosting the prevailing inflation rate, thereby setting up Social Security beneficiaries for a historic raise in 2027. However, annual Trump bumps are digging an even bigger hole for Social Security. […]

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