savings
The biggest retirement blind spots
Retirement saving plans are not one size that fits all. Your retirement plan, which encompasses both savings and spending, must meet both your financial needs and your personal needs. Many people understand the savings part of the retirement planning equation,…
Are you ready to retire early?
All the retirement experts advise us that we need between one and two million dollars before we can retire. Others say, don’t start your Social Security before age 70. All this advice is great, but isn’t it a personal decision…
More on Social Security’s financial dilemma
As a companion to another article posted today hereon, this Roosevelt Institute article by Stephen Nuñez provides substantial detail about why a Social Security issue exists, and what can be done to prevent the Social Security Trust Funds from being…
Social Security’s maximum benefit is unachievable by most - but don’t despair
Social Security’s so-called “maximum benefit amount” ($5,251 per month for 2026) is one which is quite difficult (some would say, impossible) to achieve. Indeed, it is likely unattainable for most beneficiaries, because it requires a nexus of several factors. Nevertheless,…
Traps to Avoid in Retirement
Suze Orman is, perhaps, one of the most respected guru’s when it comes to retirement planning. She is a regular guest on television and radio financial programs, and is often sought out for advice on financial matters. So, when Suze…
Social Security won’t be going bankrupt, but ….
The word “bankrupt” suggests that the Social Security program would disappear entirely, and that is not something which can realistically happen. But Social Security “insolvency” is, in fact, a real possibility - and that’s a scenario where Social Security doesn’t…
Mistakes with Social Security will disrupt your retirement
Nobody likes to make mistakes, especially when it comes to Social Security which is the mainstay of financial comfort in your golden years. But, unfortunately, many senior unwittingly make wrong assumptions about Social Security, which can lead to considerable discomfort…
2025 saw lowest inflation in 5 years, but seniors are still struggling!
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the government’s watchdog for inflation, and BLS recently announced that the 2025 actual inflation rate was 2.7% - the lowest since the year 2020. Lower inflation is, of course, a good sign,…
The wisdom (or not) of delaying Social Security
Most retirement planners will tell you that you can get a much higher monthly benefit by waiting longer to claim your Social Security. But some advisors do actually suggest claiming earlier to get the SS money sooner, for several reasons.…
What you need to know about 2026 Social Security changes
Social Security is an ever-changing program and, for the most part, that is a good thing. For example, the program changes annually to accommodate inflation via COLA (cost of living adjustments). But other Social Security factors also change, some of…