How You Can Come Out Ahead, Regardless of How Much the 2026 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment Is

Core Insights - The article discusses strategies to mitigate the impact of inflation on cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for 2026, suggesting that adopting new habits can help retain more of the COLA despite inflationary pressures [1][7]. Group 1: Financial Strategies - Recasting a mortgage can be beneficial for retirees who did not plan for a large mortgage payment, allowing for reduced monthly payments by making a lump-sum payment towards the mortgage balance [4][5][8]. - Utilizing online or mobile shopping apps can help seniors save money through digital coupons, deal alerts, cash back offers, and loyalty rewards, thus maximizing their Social Security benefits [6][9][10]. Group 2: Cost-Saving Tips - The article emphasizes the importance of reviewing monthly budgets to identify unnecessary expenses, which can lead to additional savings [7]. - It highlights popular mobile shopping apps such as Fetch, Ibotta, RetailMeNot, TopCashBack, and Honey, which provide significant discounts and savings opportunities [10].