When to Start Taking Social Security: These Are the Only 4 Ages I Would Ever Consider
One of the biggest decisions seniors will make when it comes to retirement is when to start taking Social Security. Most people become eligible for those benefits when they turn 62, and that is by far the most common age at which to file for them. That’s actually a great option for some seniors, but […]
Best Places to Invest if Your Employer Doesn’t Offer a Retirement Plan
We hear a lot about the value of employer-sponsored retirement plans, but what if you’re self-employed or your employer doesn’t offer such a plan? Here are some of the best options currently available. Image Source: Getty Images. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best […]
Over 55 With Little Saved for Retirement? 7 Steps to Take Today.
A recent AARP survey showing that 61% of adults 50 or older worry they won’t have enough money to support themselves in retirement is cold comfort if you lie awake at night, concerned about your situation. But whether you’re 50, 55, or older, there is good news: There are steps you can take to improve […]
3 Essential Things to Know About Medicare Ahead of Retirement
It’s not an uncommon thing to have your health insurance coverage tied to your job. So when you leave your job for good to retire, you might also lose your health benefits. That’s why Medicare is so important for retirees. Without it, the cost of health insurance later in life could be astronomical. Where to […]
This Is Exactly How Much Americans Think They’ll Need to Retire
How much money do you need for a comfortable retirement? Americans have agreed on a number. According to Northwestern Mutual’s Planning & Progress Study for 2025, the magic number is $1.26 million. This is actually down $200,000 from the $1.46 million that Americans thought they’d need for their senior years in 2024. It’s also on […]
Social Security’s 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) May Surprise Retirees for This Reason
When the Social Security Administration announced this past October that retirees would be getting a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), many seniors were disappointed. And that was understandable. A 2.5% raise isn’t particularly generous, especially in light of recent Social Security COLAs that have been far more robust. Meanwhile, inflation has cooled modestly since the start […]
3 Lessons for Retirees After Trump’s First 100 Days in Office
President Trump recently marked 100 days in office, and after weeks of stock market turbulence, many older adults are feeling unsure about what the next four years might spell for their retirement. To be clear, we’re in uncharted territory in many ways right now. Nobody knows where the market or economy might stand in a […]
Is It Better to Collect Social Security at 62, 67, or 70? A Detailed Study Offers a Clear Answer.
In March, more than 52 million retired workers brought home an average Social Security check of $1,997.13. While this is a relatively modest monthly sum, it’s proved vital to helping retirees make ends meet. In each of the previous 23 years, pollster Gallup has surveyed retirees to determine how reliant they are on the Social […]
Here’s How to Boost the Average Social Security Check by Up to $160 in 1 Year
You probably can’t imagine life without Social Security, and yet, even with its regular monthly checks, it’s not always easy to make ends meet. The average monthly benefit as of March 2025 was just $1,997 for retired workers. Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) will give you a little more cash over time. But there’s another way you […]
Is Taking Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) in May a Good Idea?
Using retirement accounts is one of the best ways to save for your retirement. Not only are you proactively saving for retirement, but you’re also getting a tax break for doing it. Accounts like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs have upfront tax breaks by allowing you to lower your taxable income the year you make contributions. […]
