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The First of 3 Critical Economic Data Points That Will Determine the 2027 Social Security COLA Is Out — and It’s Bad News for Retirees

The First of 3 Critical Economic Data Points That Will Determine the 2027 Social Security COLA Is Out — and It’s Bad News for Retirees

Key Points The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is determined by inflation data. Inflation has swung wildly this year, due to the Iran conflict. The most important inflation data for the COLA comes in July, August, and September. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › While investors were eagerly awaiting July inflation data […]

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Social Security’s 2027 COLA May Disappoint Retirees No Matter What

Social Security’s 2027 COLA May Disappoint Retirees No Matter What

Key Points Initial projections are calling for a larger Social Security COLA in 2027 than in 2026. A larger raise will come at the cost of higher prices. It also may not help seniors keep up with inflation as much as expected. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security’s cost-of-living […]

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Planning a Roth Conversion? Here’s the One Thing You Need to Know.

Planning a Roth Conversion? Here’s the One Thing You Need to Know.

Key Points A Roth conversion allows you to enjoy the benefits of a Roth IRA. While it can give you more flexibility in retirement, it could spur unwanted consequences in the near term. Run the numbers on your conversion to avoid surprises. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › A Roth conversion […]

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Time to Retire? Not Till You Do These 3 Things

Time to Retire? Not Till You Do These 3 Things

Key Points Before you retire, make sure you figure out what expenses you’ll be looking at. Also figure out where your income will come from. Have a plan for keeping busy so you don’t end up unhappy. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’re gearing up to retire, you may […]

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Fidelity Investments Now Says You Can Expect to Spend Around $185,000 on Healthcare Expenses in Retirement. Here’s How I’m Planning for It.

Fidelity Investments Now Says You Can Expect to Spend Around $185,000 on Healthcare Expenses in Retirement. Here’s How I’m Planning for It.

Key Points Incorporate healthcare costs into your postretirement budget. Regularly review your Medicare plan to ensure you’re receiving the most comprehensive coverage at the lowest cost. Creating a healthcare “bucket” allows you to keep healthcare costs separate from everyday expenses. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Fidelity Investments routinely crunches the […]

The Motley Fool
The Latest Inflation Update Offers Incredible News for Social Security’s 2027 COLA

The Latest Inflation Update Offers Incredible News for Social Security’s 2027 COLA

Key Points The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the July inflation report earlier today, Aug. 12, which showed a slight easing in trailing 12-month price increases. Looking solely at the headline inflation figure can be deceiving, as Social Security’s 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is on track to make history in a variety of ways. Additionally, […]

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7 Overlooked Social Security Benefits Most Retirees Leave on the Table

7 Overlooked Social Security Benefits Most Retirees Leave on the Table

Key Points Social Security benefits can be difficult to understand. Checking these blind spots can increase your monthly payments. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Claiming Social Security benefits can be a complex and confusing process for retirees. As a result, many retirees leave money on the table by glossing over […]

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3 Costs That Might Stretch Your Retirement Income Thin — and How to Prepare

3 Costs That Might Stretch Your Retirement Income Thin — and How to Prepare

Key Points Certain expenses in retirement can be substantial and somewhat unpredictable. Have a plan for covering healthcare and housing. Budget accordingly so you can afford to fill your days with meaningful activities. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Before you retire, there are a few key financial moves you should […]

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More Retirees Heading Back to Work: 4 Things to Consider Before You Un-Retire

More Retirees Heading Back to Work: 4 Things to Consider Before You Un-Retire

Key Points If you’ve retired early and are collecting Social Security, working could lower that benefit — at least temporarily. You might also lose means-based benefits from Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It could also affect subsidies you might be receiving via the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace. The $23,760 Social Security […]

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Thinking of a 401(k) Loan? Here’s Why You May Want to Reconsider.

Thinking of a 401(k) Loan? Here’s Why You May Want to Reconsider.

Key Points Borrowing from a 401(k) might seem like an easy way to get access to money. You don’t need a credit check, and you’re repaying yourself instead of a bank. There can be huge consequences if you don’t repay your loan on time, so proceed with caution. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]

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If You’ve Saved This Much for Retirement by Age 60, You’re Ahead of the Game

If You’ve Saved This Much for Retirement by Age 60, You’re Ahead of the Game

Key Points The average 60-year-old living in the United States has saved up a sizable sum for retirement. Most people at or around this age have much less than this highly skewed average. If you’re still working and contributing to your retirement account, you’ve got time to significantly expand your savings. The $23,760 Social Security […]

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Here’s the Max Social Security Benefit at Age 70 — and How to Get It

Here’s the Max Social Security Benefit at Age 70 — and How to Get It

Key Points Consistently strong taxable earnings are the foundation for above-average Social Security retirement benefits. Future retirees, however, must also earn these higher incomes for a little longer than most people wish to work. Holding off for as long as possible before claiming benefits also bolsters your future benefits. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most […]

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Social Security Spousal Benefits: 3 Things to Know If You’re Planning to Sign Up

Social Security Spousal Benefits: 3 Things to Know If You’re Planning to Sign Up

Key Points You may qualify for spousal benefits if you didn’t earn enough to get Social Security on your own. It’s important to know when you can file for spousal benefits. Also understand what income those benefits might lead to. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Qualifying for Social Security benefits […]

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Earned a Lot of Money in 2025? Prepare for This Medicare Shock in 2027.

Earned a Lot of Money in 2025? Prepare for This Medicare Shock in 2027.

Key Points Medicare has a standard premium it charges for Part B, while Part D costs are plan-specific. If you earn too much money, you could face surcharges on Part B and D premiums. Withdrawing from savings strategically and choosing the right retirement plan could help you avoid paying more for Medicare. The $23,760 Social […]

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Here Are 9 Important Ages to Understand as You Approach and Move Through Retirement

Here Are 9 Important Ages to Understand as You Approach and Move Through Retirement

Key Points Age 62 is the earliest you can collect Social Security. Age 65 is when you can enroll in Medicare. There are several other important ages, too. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › As you develop your retirement plan, you may notice that lots of decisions and events happen at […]

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Age 55-64? Here’s the Average Retirement Savings for People Your Age

Age 55-64? Here’s the Average Retirement Savings for People Your Age

Key Points The overall averages are more than most people actually have saved up. The figure in question also depends on what’s considered “retirement savings.” Every future retiree needs to make a spending plan, as well as a personal growth projection. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › In theory, where your […]

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Think Maxing Out a 401(k) Is Always Smart? This Might Make You Change Your Mind.

Think Maxing Out a 401(k) Is Always Smart? This Might Make You Change Your Mind.

Key Points Though 401(k)s offer many benefits, it’s hard to get access to your money before a certain age. You may want to branch out to another account, especially if you don’t love your 401(k)’s investment choices. You should contribute enough to your 401(k) to get your workplace match in full. The $23,760 Social Security […]

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