Key Points Roth conversions are a great way to avoid or minimize RMDs. A large conversion in a single year could lead to surcharges on your Medicare premiums. Spacing out conversions could help you avoid that problem. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Roth conversions can be an effective part of […]
Key Points Early estimates point to a larger COLA for 2027 than last year’s 2.8% increase. The ongoing war in Iran and data center boom could drive costs higher throughout the economy. Regardless of the COLA percentage, the dollars will only go so far. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › This […]
Key Points Filing early could leave you shortchanged. Delaying spousal benefits could cost you money. Failing to talk to your spouse could impact your joint income. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security might be one of your most important income streams when you retire. For this reason, it’s important […]
Key Points Limited fund options may cost you money and mess up your strategy. Early withdrawal penalties could trip you up. RMDs could be a problem later. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › There’s a reason so many people like saving for retirement in a 401(k) plan. It’s easy to contribute […]
Key Points You may think you’re prepared for retirement, but certain expenses are easy to overlook. It’s important to prepare for hidden costs like inflation. Many people also underestimate the amount they’re going to spend on healthcare in retirement. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Being financially prepared for retirement involves […]
Key Points Medicare is a big expense for many seniors. Signing up at the wrong time or choosing the wrong plan could lead to higher costs. You might also get penalized for having a higher income. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › A lot of people wait until at least age […]
Image source: Getty Images Cracking a credit score of 800 saves you money on almost everything you borrow. The average FICO® Score in the U.S. sits at 714. Only about a quarter of Americans reach the 800-to-850 range, according to Motley Fool Money research. Here’s the honest part: you don’t strictly need 800 to get […]
Key Points Social Security faces a big financial shortfall that could result in benefit cuts. That doesn’t necessarily need to affect your plans if most of your income stems from another source. If you’ll rely heavily on Social Security, you may want to make a few key moves. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]
Key Points People often shoot for a dollar figure when they think about their retirement nest egg. More important than the size of your 401(k) is your income replacement ratio. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Americans believe they need $1.46 million in savings to retire comfortably, according to a recent […]
Key Points Being forced to retire earlier could mean falling short of savings goals. Before you panic, take stock of your options, including strategically claiming Social Security. See if there are options for generating income through gig or consulting work, even if you can’t line up full-time employment. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees […]
Key Points You might easily have a six-figure retirement income with $3 million in savings. Depending on your core expenses, that could leave you with plenty of money for travel and entertainment. A $3 million nest egg can still run out, so you need to manage your withdrawals cautiously. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most […]
Key Points An aging population is adding to Germany’s pension woes. A commission recently presented proposals to the German government. As in the U.S., German officials propose raising the retirement age. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Germany’s statutory pension insurance is essentially its version of Social Security, designed to protect […]
Key Points The latest 2027 Social Security COLA projection is 3.8%. This is above average compared to the last 50 years. It likely won’t meaningfully increase your checks, however. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › We’re inching closer to the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement, and it’s looking increasingly […]
Key Points Inflation data from July, August, and September are used to determine the annual COLA. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising oil prices could lead to an above-average COLA for 2027. The Senior Citizens League predicts the 2027 COLA will come in at a solid 3.8%. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most […]
Image source: Getty Images For a mortgage, a 780 credit score and a perfect 850 get you the exact same rate. Every score from 780 up sits in the top pricing tier, according to Experian data as of July 2026. So the score that gets you the best deals isn’t 850. It’s more like a […]
Key Points Australia’s superannuation fund helps ensure workers have money in retirement. Only employers are mandated to pay into the superannuation fund. U.S. retirement experts warn that switching over to the Australian system would not be an easy fix. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › President Donald Trump has said that […]
Key Points Social Security COLAs are based on third-quarter inflation changes year over year. July’s data, once it becomes available, will help shape the upcoming COLA. An official COLA won’t be available until mid-October. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you’re a retiree on Social Security, you probably know how […]
Key Points You can avoid a tax increase by donating your RMD to a qualifying charity. You may not have to take RMDs from all of your retirement accounts. The deadline for 2026 RMDs is Dec. 31, 2026, for seniors over 73. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › You’re already worried […]
