The Social Security system was one of the “top-ranking worries” of Americans as of April 2025, according to a Gallup survey. Approximately 52% of those surveyed expressed concerns about the system, representing a nine-percentage-point year-over-year (YoY) increase. Gallup noted that this was the highest YoY increase over the past 15 years. Similarly, about 59% of […]
Marguerita Cheng
Retirement should be the time when Americans should have maximum peace of mind, as they no longer must worry about the daily bubble of corporate life. But the experience of many retirees has been far from the expectation. About 25% of retirees say they have lost sleep worrying about their financial situation, while 27% say […]
Marguerita Cheng
Spousal benefit recipients will also receive the above-average bump.
Welcome everyone! Welcome to the 512th episode of the Financial Advisor Success Podcast! My guest on today’s podcast is Chris Smith. Chris is the founder of PSBLTY, a brand strategy, design, and implementation firm that works with financial advisors, teams, and firms. What’s unique about Chris, though, is how he works with advisors to create […]
Michael Kitces
When every penny counts, a 3.6% bump in Social Security benefits can help -- but it's likely not enough.
Downsizing is a common move in retirement, but it may not be the right choice for all retirees.
By Rick Kahler, originally published at Financial Awakenings. Artificial intelligence tools may seem free or inexpensive, but usage-based charges can add up quickly. Learn how AI token billing works, why these hidden expenses are easy to overlook, and how to protect your budget from unexpected costs. The post The Hidden Costs of AI: Are You […]
Rick Kahler
Working seniors could get a little more breathing room in their budgets next year thanks to this small change.
Social Security’s 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be especially pronounced in 10 states.
While working as a financial advisor can be attractive based on the ability to make a positive difference in clients’ lives, at the end of the day it is a business and the source of a firm owner’s livelihood. Amidst this backdrop, it’s important for firm owners to pay close attention to their profitability, as […]
Michael Kitces
The 2027 COLA has officially been set at 3.6%.
The ultra-wealthy have a few things in common.
There’s a potentially steep price to pay for one of the largest Social Security raises since 1993.
Seemingly small shortfalls can become big problems when allowed to accumulate over several years.
While "no taxes" sounds like a great break for seniors, it's not entirely accurate.
It's good news for the program but a blow to some people's paychecks.
Don't wait until you get your tax bill to start preparing for this.
Take advantage of the last few weeks of 2026 to set yourself up for a strong start next year.
