4 Outdated Retirement “Rules” You May Want to Think Twice About Before Following
Retirement planning can be complicated. It’s also highly individual, so there’s no easy way to calculate exactly how much money you’ll need to cover your costs. But that doesn’t stop people from trying. Retirement “rules” have been floating around for decades. They’re little shortcuts you can use to estimate how much you need to save, […]
These Are the 6 Social Security Changes Americans Want to See
Social Security is currently facing a shortfall of nearly $23 trillion over the next 75 years, according to the latest Trustees Report. The latest estimates suggest the program’s trust funds will be depleted in less than a decade. The worst-case scenario would see benefits slashed by nearly one quarter, though this isn’t likely. Government officials […]
Here’s the Average Social Security Benefit at Every Possible Claiming Age
One of the biggest Social Security decisions you’ll have to make is when to sign up for benefits. Many choose to apply as soon as they’re eligible, so they can get the most checks. But this isn’t always the wisest move. Before you sign up, take some time to understand how your claiming age affects […]
Social Security: 96% of Americans Could Be Leaving Benefits on the Table Without Realizing It
Most Americans rely on Social Security to make ends meet, with a 2024 Gallup poll finding that 60% of retirees say their benefits are a “major” source of income. But understanding how the program works — and maximizing your checks — is often easier said than done. If you’re not entirely sure how your benefits […]
Here’s What Happens When Your Credit Score Reaches 850
Image source: Getty Images If you’ve ever checked your credit score and wondered what it takes to reach a perfect 850, you’re not alone. An 850 FICO® Score is the holy grail of creditworthiness, but what does it actually mean and does it even matter? Looking for a secure place to grow your savings? See […]
Will President Trump Confront Social Security’s Most Glaring Issue?
President Donald Trump kicked off his second term with a flurry of executive orders aimed at getting his ambitious political agenda off to a fast start. At the top of Trump’s list appears to be issues related to immigration, tariffs, taxes, and much more. Social Security has not been the subject of his attention yet, […]
Social Security’s Max $5,108 Benefit Is Hard to Get. Here’s What to Do Instead of Chasing It
A lot of people who attempt to retire on Social Security alone end up having to cut corners. But for those who are eligible for the program’s maximum monthly benefit, retiring on just Social Security doesn’t paint such a bleak picture. In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit Social Security will pay is $5,108. To be […]
Social Security’s 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Is on Pace to Make History… and Still Disappoint
For most retirees, Social Security is more than just a monthly check. It represents the foundation of their financial well-being as they age. Beginning in 2002, national pollster Gallup began surveying retirees annually to determine how reliant they were on the Social Security income they received. Spanning 23 surveys, between 80% and 90% of respondents […]
