savings
What Would a 23% Cut in Social Security Mean?
The Trustees of Social Security have warned Congress: There will be a 23% cut in everyone’s Social Security benefit in 2033, unless Congress reforms the program. Hopefully, Congress will act soon to prevent cuts from happening – but what if…
Demystifying the Federal Payroll Tax
Nearly all workers pay it, but very few understand it – the Federal Payroll Tax. With few exceptions,[1] everyone who works and earns pays the federal payroll tax from their earnings – that’s about 175 million American workers. The tax, first…
Your Social Security benefit won’t be cut in 2026
If you are worried about your Social Security payment going down in 2026, you likely should not be. Your monthly benefit is based upon your lifetime earnings while working and, except for cost-of-living adjustments (increases), your monthly payment will not…
About the Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Although you may have seen early predictions, it is too soon to know for sure how next year’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will increase your monthly Social Security payment. That news will actually be revealed in mid-October, after completion…
Ask Rusty – I’m Turning 70. When Should I Apply for Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I have a very simple question: I will turn 70 on September 20th and want to start my Social Security benefits in September. What month should I file my claim? Have there been delays with the reductions in…
Should you have an emergency fund in retirement?
We have all heard from financial experts that we need an emergency fund equal to at least six months of our working salary, but what if you are retired? Life happens, things break, people get sick, and you find yourself…
Retirement planning mistakes to avoid
The fear of running out of money or being unable to afford necessary expenses in retirement can be overwhelming. If you have retirement anxiety, several coping mechanisms can help you not to feel so overwhelmed. The first and most important…
Are you five years out from retirement?
How close are you to retirement? Are you planning to retire in the next five years? If so, you still have time to finalize your retirement plans. You may need to assess your financial situation, create a retirement budget, and,…
Thoughts on Retirement Planning: Savings Outlook for 2025’s 2nd Half
To say it’s been a bumpy road so far this year would be somewhat of an understatement, with the rate structures for savings instruments remaining a bit higher than anticipated, 401(k) and IRA account balances ending the first quarter in…
Retirement Savings Improving for many Americans
;After many years of caution from financial experts that most Americans do not save enough for their future retirement, there appears some good news from one of the nation’s top financial firms: that many are taking full advantage of their…