3 Moves Guaranteed to Shrink Your Social Security Check
Social Security benefits are an important income source for many seniors. If you expect these benefits to play a big role in funding your retirement, you need to understand that certain actions could shrink your monthly payments. Specifically, if you make these three moves, you’ll end up with less money flowing into your bank account […]
Should You Keep Saving for Retirement if You’re Worried About a Recession?
I met a group of friends for brunch this past weekend, and somehow, the discussion shifted from our kids’ soccer tournaments and cellphone obsessions to the state of the economy. Nobody knows what’s in store this year as tariff policies unfold and inflation does its thing. But the consensus among my group of friends is […]
Americans Worry About Running Out of Money in Retirement More Than Dying. Here Are 5 Things You Can Do to Have Peace of Mind.
What’s more concerning than death? For nearly two in three Americans, it’s running out of money during retirement. That’s the finding from Allianz‘s 2025 Annual Retirement Study. A whopping 70% of individuals in their 40s and 50s are worried about their money stretching out far enough. The numbers are also high in other age groups, […]
One Sure Way to Turbocharge an IRA
About 4.2 million Americans will turn 65 this year. While not all of them will retire right away, they’re getting close. And yet, Americans don’t appear to feel optimistic about their financial readiness. A recent Gallup poll showed that only 45% expect to be financially comfortable in retirement. If you’re one of the majority who […]
You Can Get Out of Paying Taxes on Social Security Benefits. Here’s How.
Most people know what it take to qualify for Social Security, more or less. You work and pay taxes on your income, and in exchange, you’re eligible for benefits down the line. Of course, this is a very simplified explanation. There are certain earnings requirements you need to meet to be entitled to Social Security […]
President Trump’s New Tariff Plan Could Have These Longer-Term Impacts on Social Security
On April 2, during his “Liberation Day” address, President Donald Trump announced a wave of new tariffs that affected U.S. trade relations with more than 180 countries. Trump’s plan includes tariffs ranging from as low as 10% (the base rate for all non-Chinese companies) to 125% (for Chinese goods). The new tariff amounts have changed […]
Will This Shocking Expense Deplete Your Retirement Savings?
It’s a pretty common thing for people to see their living costs drop in retirement. By the time that stage of life rolls around, you may no longer have a mortgage to pay off. And you may be able to downsize from a two-car household to a single car if you no longer have to […]
How to Protect Your Retirement Savings — Even if Trump’s Tariffs Threaten to Drain Them
A recent survey commissioned by the financial services company Beyond Finance asked 2,000 Americans how they feel about their finances. Only 13% said they feel “very good,” while another 28% reported feeling “somewhat good.” That leaves 59% feeling not so great. That sentiment isn’t surprising, given the financial uncertainties created by President Donald Trump’s on-again, […]
Don’t Assume You Shouldn’t Claim Social Security at 62
One of the nice things about Social Security is that you get a choice as to when to take benefits. Once you turn 62, you can pretty much sign up at any age. But there’s a reason Social Security recipients are often advised not to sign up for benefits at 62. You’re not entitled to […]
Got a Social Security Benefit Increase in April 2025? 3 Things to Do Now
More than 2 million Americans saw a Social Security benefit boost this month thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act. If you’re one of them, you’re probably excited to have the extra cash. Even a few hundred dollars extra per month could make a huge difference, especially if you’re heavily dependent on your checks. You’re […]
