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The 5 Biggest Changes to Social Security in 2025
Rachael Christian’s piece here in The Seattle Times notes The Social Security Administration’s recent announcement of its annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%, taking the average check for retired workers from $1,927 to $1,976. Four other notable changes are:…
Is Living Abroad Cheaper for U.S. Retirees?
This as-told-to essay in Business Insider is based on a conversation with Norman Bour, 70, who, along with his wife, left the US for Europe to live abroad in 2019. This California bay boomer writes about his experiences and tips…
More Retirees Will Owe Taxes on Social Security Benefits in 2025
Some retirees are in for a shock next year. Christy Bieber reminds folks here that retirees do not have to pay taxes on benefits until their provisional income equals $25k for single tax filers or $32k for married filers. Once…
Qualifying for Social Security as a Part-Timer
Maurie Backman notes most people have little trouble earning 40 work credits (10 years) to qualify for Social Security benefits in retirement. But the amount required to earn one credit rises from $1,730 to $1,810 next year. You can earn…
Personalized Letter to be Sent to Social Security Recipients in December
Christy Bieber notes The Social Security Administration will be sending out personalized notifications in December to all Social Security recipients. This year’s COLA notification uses more simplified language than prior years. Seniors will be able to understand exactly how much…
Half of Retirees Considering a Return to Work Over Skimpy COLA
Maurie Backman writes here that her employer, The Motley Fool, surveyed 2,000 retirees to get their thoughts on 2025’s Social Security COLA. And the results were eye-opening. A solid 54% of respondents said they think next year’s COLA, which will be 2.5%,…
Little Known Rule of 55 Can Help Fund Early Retirement
With Social Security still seven years away at the very least, how can people aged 55-60 retire early using their retirement funds if they cannot even access them penalty free until 59½? Enter the Rule of 55. This Kiplinger.com piece…
The #1 Reason to Claim Social Security at Age 62
Folks need to understand they will take a 30% benefit cut by claiming Social Security at age 62, the earliest possible age, over their full retirement age (now 67). But Christy Bieber notes you’ll want to claim at this age…
The 2025 COLA is not as bad as it seems
Few people are getting giddy about receiving a 2.5% cost of living increase (COLA) for the upcoming year. But as Maurie Backman explains, it is indeed a sign of cooling inflation. Prices are increasing much more slowly, and that is…
Over half of Future Retirees Risk Losing Some Social Security Benefits
Christy Bieber explains that many retirees who plan to work before reaching full retirement age (FRA), which is now 67, while on Social Security may not realize the impact this can have on their monthly benefits. These work limits adjust…