The Real Reasons You Risk Running Out of Money in Retirement
If you're retiring with a generous IRA or 401(k) balance, chances are that money didn't just materialize out of nowhere. Rather, you probably lived well below your means for many...
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3 Retirement Moves to Make in May Now That Tax Season Is Behind You
I don't know anyone, other than my tax accountant, who enjoys tax season. And even they are happy when it's finally over. Completing your taxes is a relief, but it...
How to Stop Worrying So Much About Your Retirement Account After You Retire
No matter when you retire, the goal is to enjoy life. One way to do that is to spend less time worrying about money and more time thinking about what...
Prediction: Social Security COLA Could Reach 3.2% by 2027
Cost-of-living adjustments are a critical part of Social Security. COLAs, as they're often called, help stop seniors from losing buying power. Since prices increase over time because of inflation, if...
Afterpay Is a Terrible Idea. Here’s What You Should Do Instead
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money...
This Medicare Timing Mistake Could Follow You for Life
Some people look forward to turning 65 so they can enroll in Medicare. And you can actually sign up a bit ahead of your 65th birthday to ensure your coverage...
Customer Account Takeovers: What They Are and How to Protect Yourself
Brokerage firm customer account takeover incidents are on the rise, according to FINRA, which has seen a notable increase in this type of fraud. As this threat grows more sophisticated...
Protecting Yourself From Regulator Imposter Scams
While FINRA will never ask you for money, there are scammers who might try to convince you otherwise. These financial fraudsters pose as regulators, requesting fees to transfer funds or...
Be Alert to Signs of Imposter Investment Scams
Imposter scams can take many forms, and there are new variants every day. In investment-related imposter schemes, a common thread is that scammers misuse the name of real registered investment...
Understanding the New Intraday Margin Requirements
FINRA has adopted significant changes to its margin rule with potential impacts on active investors. If you currently engage in or are considering an active investment strategy, be sure to...
Social Security’s 2027 COLA Could Be Much Bigger Than Current Forecasts Imply
Social Security benefits receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to help retired workers keep up with rising prices. The latest forecasts from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) and Congressional Budget...
Why Claiming Social Security Early Might Be the Smarter Move — Even If You Live a Long Life
One of the trickiest financial decisions you might ever have to make is figuring out when to claim Social Security. Although your monthly benefit payment is based on your personal...
No One Wants Social Security Cuts — But the Alternative Could Be Worse for Some Americans
The fear of Social Security cuts looms large in many workers' and seniors' minds, with the program now just six years away from a funding shortfall. It's natural to want...
Going All In on Your 401(k) or IRA? That’s a Risky Bet.
There's a reason so many people choose to save for retirement in a 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA). These accounts offer some pretty solid tax breaks.
9 Threats to Your Retirement Income in 2026 — and How to Protect Against Each One
Lots of activities in life carry threats. But if you're prepared, you can deal with them. Hiking in bear country? Take bear spray and don't leave a trail of sandwich...
The Average Social Security Benefit Is Just Months Away From a Historic Milestone
You usually only see Social Security benefit increases once per year when the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect. This takes place with the December payments, which go out in...
Is 1 Income Stream Enough for Retirement? What Seniors Need to Know.
So you're starting to plan for retirement, and you're wondering whether you can get by on just one income stream. Let's see how that might work for you. Much will...
Medicare Isn’t Just Expensive — It’s Unpredictable. Here’s How to Plan for That.
Many older Americans look at Medicare as a safety net, like Social Security. But while both programs can change from year to year, Social Security benefits usually change for the...