Key Points Many changes happen to Social Security each year. Some changes impact current retirees more than others. In 2026, work limits and the COLA will have the biggest impact. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you are retired, there is a good chance you're getting at least some -- and potentially most -- of your household income from the Social Security Administration. Social Security benefits are a critical source of funds for seniors because they don ...

The average Social Security check ranges from $1,814 to $2,196 by state, but higher payments don't always mean an easier retirement. Here's where your dollar goes furthest. https://t.co/6tYIssaIUK ...

Key Points Don't take withdrawals without a plan. Don't unload too much risk. Don't forget about the importance of cash. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › If you're gearing up to retire in 2026, you may be spending the next few months counting down happily in your head. Hopefully, though, you'll be doing a lot of financial planning as well. It's important to decide when to claim Social Security ahead of retirement so you choose the filing age that works for yo ...

Even with a 2.8% COLA for 2026, many Americans are nonetheless worried about how Social Security will help pay for their rising expenses in retirement. https://t.co/YXfk2N4Pto ...

Key Points There are multiple ways to increase your Social Security benefit. Many people focus on their claiming age, which is important in determining the benefit amount. There's another, overlooked way to make your monthly retirement benefit checks bigger. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › There are very few sources of income that guarantee you'll get more money when inflation is surging and that guarantee your benefits will last for life. Social Security is ...

FG Trade Latin/Getty Images A 2.8% COLA provides some relief, but it won't erase the underlying worry. Key Takeaways Despite a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, 39% of middle-class Americans fear Social Security benefits will be cut in the coming years, according to a recent report. Many retirees say the annual COLAs haven’t kept up with real-world costs, and polling shows broad skepticism that the raise is “enough.” Inflation, policy uncertainty, and longer life spans could steadily er ...

Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com Quick Read Your Social Security filing age directly impacts your monthly benefits. The decision to file may be more complicated than you’d expect. Filing decisions affect spousal and survivor benefits in addition to personal monthly payments. If you’re thinking about retiring or know someone who is, there are three quick questions causing many Americans to realize they can retire earlier than expected. take 5 minutes to learn more here   There's a reason Social S ...

Key Points The more you get out of Social Security, the more financially stable your retirement might be. Work on boosting your income and delay your claim for larger monthly checks. Undo an early filing to set yourself up with more money for life. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Ideally, you'll be coming into retirement with some money you've saved on your own. But here's the scary thing. Even if you manage your retirement savings wisely and are careful wi ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the significant changes to Social Security under President Trump's second term, highlighting both intended and unintended consequences of his policies [1][5]. Policy Changes - The Trump administration replaced the previous 10% overpayment recovery rate with a 50% clawback rate for over 1 million beneficiaries, totaling $23 billion in overpayments as of September 30, 2023 [2]. - An executive order was signed to end the mailing of federal benefit checks, requiring over 500,000 beneficiaries to set up direct deposit or a Direct Express Card for their payments [3]. Economic Impact - Trump's tariff and trade policies have led to a permanent increase in Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) due to rising inflation, which increased from 2.31% to 3.01% [12]. - The COLA for 2026 is set at 2.8%, marking the first time in nearly three decades that benefits have risen by at least 2.5% for five consecutive years [14]. Financial Outlook - The "big, beautiful bill" passed during Trump's second term is projected to reduce income collection for Social Security's Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund and Disability Insurance trust fund by $168.6 billion from 2025 to 2034 [18]. - The timeline for the depletion of the OASI's asset reserves has been accelerated from 2033 to 2032, with potential benefit cuts of up to 23% necessary to avoid further reductions over the next 75 years [22].

Core Points - The article emphasizes the importance of strategically claiming Social Security benefits in 2026 to avoid significant financial mistakes [1] Group 1: Claiming Benefits - Claiming benefits early without understanding the consequences can lead to a permanent reduction in monthly payments, which could be as much as 20% if claimed at age 64 instead of the full retirement age of 67 [3][4] - Individuals with substantial retirement savings, such as a $2.4 million IRA or 401(k), may afford a reduced Social Security benefit, but thorough calculations are necessary to ensure financial stability [5] Group 2: Coordination with Spouse - Couples should coordinate their Social Security claims rather than acting independently, as one spouse may benefit from delaying their claim for larger monthly checks while the other claims earlier [6][7] - Delaying a spousal benefit claim past full retirement age is not advisable, as there is no benefit to waiting beyond that point, unlike claims based on individual earnings [8][10] Group 3: Strategic Planning - Understanding Social Security rules and strategizing claims can lead to a more rewarding and financially stable retirement, highlighting the importance of making informed decisions regarding the filing age [11]