How a government shutdown impacts Social Security

Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) - Seniors are preparing for a modest cost of living increase in their Social Security benefits next year [1]. - Tariffs could diminish the impact of this increase [1][5]. - The COLA is typically determined by averaging inflation numbers from July, August, and September [3]. - Estimates suggest a potential COLA of around 2.7% [4]. - A government shutdown could delay the release of September CPI data, potentially postponing the finalization of COLA [1][4]. - Uncertainty surrounding Social Security is a concern, and delays in COLA calculation add to this uncertainty [5]. - The accuracy of CPI data may be compromised if information gathering is disrupted by a government shutdown [7]. - A similar shutdown in 2013 delayed the COLA announcement by two weeks [8]. Retirement Planning for Generation X - The book "X Saves the World" addresses retirement planning for Generation X [9]. - Generation X is often overlooked compared to Baby Boomers and Millennials [10]. - Many in Generation X may be woefully unprepared for retirement [12]. - This generation entered the job market when 401(k) plans were new and not well understood [11]. - The book aims to provide focus and guidance for Generation X to improve their retirement prospects [12].