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2026 COLA Watch
We’re nearing the announcement of the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and it appears that the 2.7% range is where it will fall. October 15 is the usual date for an official announcement, but of course, that may shift…
Social Security Reform…Looking Into the Crystal Ball
As we’ve been predicting, interest in addressing Social Security’s steadily unfolding financial disaster is picking up quickly. In fact, a recent comment by Newsmax labeled Social Security a “central battlefield” in the midterm election cycle. We’re seeing many thought leaders…
Using AI in Retirement Planning Can Be Great…But Be Careful
Artificial Intelligence, and specifically ChatGPT, can be useful in planning your financial future in retirement. Linking you to helpful information on financial concepts, such as retirement options, can expedite research and clarify your understanding. The tools can also be helpful…
2026 COLA Thoughts…Will the Increase Be Enough?
The eagerly awaited announcement of next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), typically made on October 15, may face delays due to the government shutdown and its impact on staffing at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But whenever the announcement…
Thoughts on Delaying Social Security Benefits
Most folks know that age 62 is the point at which Social Security benefits can be claimed. Most folks also know that exercising this option represents a reduction in the monthly amount they could receive by waiting until their full…
How Recent Congressional Moves Have Impacted Social Security’s Insolvency Timeline
The closer we get to the end, the sharper the pencils are that write the target dates for insolvency. In a Yahoo!Finance post yesterday by T. Woods, for example, cites the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill’s tax-related provisions…
GIG Workers and Retirement…What’s Their Future Look Like?
In a postandcourier.com post by PensionBee founder and CEO Romi Savova, I found a startling statistic:: By 2027, freelancers will make up more than 50 percent of the workforce, marking a fundamental shift in the U.S. labor market. In her…
The Connection Between Job Changes and Retirement Risk
Changing employment is relatively common these days, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that most people have held a dozen or more jobs during their time in the workforce. Gone are the days of a lifetime of employment at…
COLA Watch: 2026…Could a Government Shutdown Delay the Final Projection?
Every October, the analysts in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reach prominence as they grind the numbers leading to the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Traditionally, the BLS supplies the data needed to finalize the COLA calculation in…
Government Shutdown and Social Security Payments
The absence of agreement on appropriations funding and the countdown to a government shutdown are causing some angst among the legions of Social Security beneficiaries. What will happen with the scheduled distribution of benefit payments is a logical question on…