COLA
2025 COLA Situation
Since inflation is currently lower the COLA increase can be expected to be lower. It may be the lowest we have seen in the last few years. The only way this could change is if inflation suddenly increases in the…
The Harsh Realities of Living on Social Security
It’s common knowledge that the average monthly Social Security benefit these days is slightly over $1,900, and there’s also a fairly common understanding that the program’s retirement benefits are intended to replace about 40% of a retiree’s average career earnings.…
COLA Watch–2025 Edition
Continuation of the recent trend in CPI numbers has led forecasters to suggest that the 2025 Social Security COLA could fall into the 2.57% to 3% range, according to a post by Ted Godbout on the National Association of Plan…
The Rumor Mill in Action…No, you’re not getting a bonus Social Security Check in June
Several less-than-reputable sources have been trumpeting the rumor that Social Security recipients will be getting a $600–or $638–increase in their benefits this month. Here’s a piece of advice…don’t spend it in advance! In many cases, these types of rumors result…
Another Push for CPI-E
The potential for use of a measurement more reflective of senior spending patterns has been under investigation for some time, and is the subject of pending legislation to adopt this senior-friendly tool. A recent post on planadvisor.com by Paul Mulholland…
A Perspective on Social Security COLA Increases
Let’s face it. We all like to get a large raise. This includes seniors receiving Social Security benefits. The only problem is, when we get a large COLA increase, that means inflation is out of control. Please read this article…
Ask Rusty – About Social Security’s “guaranteed” annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)
Dear Rusty: I’ve been reading a lot lately about speculation on what next year’s benefit increase will be, and it seems like most of the experts are suggesting a range of 2.5% to 3%. My neighbor says don’t worry about…
Surprise! 2025 COLA Won’t Offset True Inflation
Inflation is an insidious thing – inexorably creeping prices for most everything we buy. And while there is often a lot of hoopla about how Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) are designed to help seniors keep up with inflation, the…
Early Prediction of 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
It’s way too early to say with any degree of certainty what next year’s COLA will be, but it’s still interesting to take a look at what might be. Inflation, of course, is the driver of any COLA increase to…
Warning: Retirees Are Likely to Continue Losing Ground to Inflation
You’ve probably seen the reports stating that seniors have lost considerable ground to inflation since 2000. If you’re a retiree living on Social Security benefits, you’re well aware of the cost increases that have outstripped your income for some time,…