It’s Official: 3.2 Million Americans Will Receive Bigger Social Security Checks — but There’s a Catch
Social Security’s 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 was underwhelming, to say the least. It added just $49 to the average monthly check, though many seniors saw their expenses rise more than that over the past year. Unfortunately, future COLAs are the only benefit increase most retirees can look forward to, and the next one […]
You Might Not Realize What Happens When You Max Out Your Credit Card
Image source: Getty Images Believe it or not, maxing out your credit card isn’t a bad thing — if you pay off the full balance right away. However, failing to pay off a maxed-out credit card immediately can cause you huge problems. Looking for a secure place to grow your savings? See our expert picks […]
3 Perks of Keeping a Credit Card Open for 10 Years
Image source: Getty Images Your 10-year cardholder anniversary isn’t an extra-special milestone. Your card company won’t send you a pair of tin cufflinks or diamond earrings. Looking for a secure place to grow your savings? See our expert picks for the best FDIC-insured high-yield savings accounts available today – enjoy peace of mind with competitive […]
4 Traits of Americans With a Perfect 850 Credit Score
Image source: Getty Images A perfect 850 credit score might seem impossible to achieve, but plenty of Americans have hit this milestone. While you don’t need a perfect score to get the best credit cards and mortgage terms, those who reach 850 tend to share a few key habits that set them apart. Looking for […]
This All Too Common 401(k) Mistake Could Cost You $300,000 Over Your Career
For many of today’s workers, a 401(k) is the difference between enjoying a comfortable retirement and struggling to get by. It’s where they save for decades and hopefully snag some matching contributions from their employer so they don’t have to do it all alone. But these accounts can also be complex. Those who don’t understand […]
A Big Social Security Change Proposed by President Donald Trump May Be Bad News for Retirees
President Trump while on the campaign trail proposed eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits. “Seniors should not pay taxes on Social Security,” he commented on social media in July. He reiterated the point during a Fox & Friends interview in August. Importantly, Trump is not the only politician to float that idea, nor is support […]
I’m Starting to Think My Social Security Filing Age Doesn’t Matter
If I have things my way, I won’t be retiring for a few more decades. So there’s really no pressure on me to decide right now when to claim Social Security. But because writing about retirement planning is a big part of my work, I tend to find myself thinking about Social Security a lot. […]
