Key Points The typical retiree on Social Security today gets a little more than $2,000 a month. You may want much larger checks to enjoy retirement to the fullest. Working longer, boosting your wages, and being patient could lead to bigger benefits -- and a better retirement. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › For many retired Americans, Social Security serves as a key income source. Without those monthly benefits, many retirees would not have a way to cover the ...

Many retirees assume they’ll be in a lower tax bracket later in life and that their tax returns will get simpler. But often that’s not the case. This 5 Questions with Fidelity explains how different types of income are taxed in retirement. We also discuss how to estimate your tax rate, manage your tax brackets, and take advantage of tax-smart planning strategies. 00:00 Welcome to 5 Questions with Fidelity 00:17 Is Social Security taxable? 01:48 How are other types of retirement income taxed? 02:29 How is in ...

Core Insights - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP, BIPC) has been included in a retirement income portfolio since February 2024, indicating a positive outlook for the investment vehicle [1] Group 1: Company Overview - BIP is recognized for its role in shaping financial strategies and executing large-scale financings, showcasing its expertise in the infrastructure sector [1] - The company has made significant efforts to institutionalize the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) framework in Latvia, aiming to enhance liquidity in pan-Baltic capital markets [1] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - BIP is involved in developing national State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) financing guidelines, which are crucial for channeling private capital into affordable housing stock [1] - The company is actively participating in thought-leadership activities to support the development of pan-Baltic capital markets, reflecting its commitment to regional economic growth [1]

Group 1 - The objective of investing is to create a stress-free portfolio that generates cash flow for consumption without reliance on a payroll [1] Group 2 - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, assisting top-tier corporates in shaping financial strategies and executing large-scale financings [2] - Significant efforts have been made to institutionalize the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [2] - Contributions include the development of national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing [2] - Roberts is a CFA Charterholder and holds an ESG investing certificate, with experience from an internship at the Chicago Board of Trade [2] - Actively involved in thought-leadership activities to support the development of pan-Baltic capital markets [2]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of finding reliable passive income streams for a comfortable retirement, highlighting that Social Security and 401(k) plans may not suffice due to inflation and economic uncertainty [1]. Group 1: Dividend ETFs Overview - Many investors are turning to dividend ETFs as a solution for steady income and diversification [2]. - The article identifies five dividend ETFs that could enhance retirement portfolios by providing stability, growth, and lifetime income [2]. Group 2: Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) - SCHD invests in quality companies from the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, focusing on strong financials and sustainable dividends [3]. - The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.06% and offers a yield of 3.85%, making it attractive for investors [4]. - SCHD is managed by Charles Schwab and includes notable holdings such as Cisco, PepsiCo, and Home Depot [4]. Group 3: Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) - VYM combines stability with high dividend payments, investing in over 500 companies with above-average yields [5]. - The fund has net assets exceeding $81 billion and maintains a low expense ratio of 0.06% [6]. - Key sectors for VYM include financials, consumer discretionary, and basic materials, with top holdings like Broadcom and JPMorgan Chase [6]. Group 4: Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) - VIG focuses on companies with a history of increasing dividends, tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index [7]. - The ETF has net assets over $115 billion and features a low expense ratio of 0.05%, making it cost-effective [8]. - Its main holdings are in financials, consumer discretionary, and information technology, including companies like Broadcom, JPMorgan Chase, and Microsoft [8].

Core Insights - Real estate can provide steady income for retirees, but it also comes with unpredictable costs and potential burdens [1][3] - Financial expert Suze Orman emphasizes that many retirees overestimate the reliability of rental income [3][4] Group 1: Listener's Situation - A retiree named Susan plans to sell a rental property for approximately $300,000 after taxes, seeking to replace $1,100 in monthly rental income [2] - Susan and her husband rely on Social Security, a pension, and rental income from three properties [2] Group 2: Orman's Advice on Real Estate - Orman warns that unexpected expenses, such as repairs, can significantly reduce net rental income, potentially leading to a deficit [4] - She advises retirees not to assume rental income is guaranteed and to consider selling properties if necessary [4] Group 3: Investment Strategies for Income Generation - Orman suggests fixed income options like Treasuries, municipal bonds, and CDs, which could yield around 4% to 5%, sufficient to match Susan's monthly income needs [5] - A growth and income mix, including utility stocks, dividend-paying ETFs, or real estate investment trusts, could provide 3% to 4% yields with potential for long-term appreciation [5] - Immediate annuities could offer $1,400 to $1,600 per month on a $300,000 investment, but Orman cautions about the loss of income for surviving spouses upon the annuitant's death [5]

Core Insights - Reaching retirement age presents both advantages and challenges for individuals in the U.S. [1] Group 1 - The transition to retirement can lead to financial uncertainty, impacting lifestyle choices and healthcare access [1] - Many individuals may underestimate the costs associated with retirement, leading to potential financial strain [1] - The reliance on Social Security benefits may not be sufficient for a comfortable retirement, necessitating additional savings [1]

Core Insights - Social Security benefits are directly linked to an individual's earnings during their working life, with maximum benefits reaching nearly $60,000 per year for those who wait until age 70 to claim [1] - While Social Security benefits are not subject to payroll taxes, they can be taxed as income based on a system called "combined income," which includes Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), nontaxable interest, and half of the Social Security benefits [2][3] Taxation of Social Security Benefits - The taxation of Social Security benefits is tiered based on combined income levels, with no taxes owed for individuals with combined income below $25,000 and up to 85% of benefits taxable for those with combined income above $34,000 [7] - For married individuals filing jointly, the thresholds are slightly higher, with no taxes owed below $32,000 and up to 85% taxable above $44,000 [7] Strategies for Reducing Taxes on Benefits - To minimize taxes on Social Security benefits, individuals should focus on reducing their taxable income, as higher combined income results in increased taxation on benefits [5] - Specific strategies include managing other sources of retirement income to stay within lower combined income tiers [8]

Core Insights - Many Social Security recipients are anticipating the announcement of the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, which is designed to help maintain purchasing power amid inflation [1][2] - The COLA announcement is expected by the end of October, with indications that the increase may be larger than that of 2025, although this is not guaranteed [2] - Despite the anticipated increase, Social Security benefits alone are insufficient for retirees to cover their living expenses [4][9] Social Security Benefits Overview - The average monthly Social Security benefit in 2025 is projected to be $2,008.31, translating to an annual income of approximately $24,100 [4] - Social Security was never intended to be the sole source of retirement income; it is designed to replace about 40% of pre-retirement income [5][6] - Experts recommend that retirees aim to replace 70% to 90% of their pre-retirement income, necessitating additional savings and income sources [6] Retirement Planning Considerations - With the decline of traditional pensions, retirees must rely on distributions from retirement accounts, emphasizing the importance of contributing to 401(k) or IRA plans during their working years [7] - Even high earners eligible for the maximum Social Security benefit of $5,108 per month (approximately $61,296 annually) may still need additional income sources to maintain their lifestyle [8]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of not solely relying on Social Security for retirement income, suggesting that individuals should consider additional financial strategies to ensure a secure retirement [1] Group 1 - The article highlights the potential inadequacy of Social Security benefits in covering retirement expenses, indicating that many retirees may face financial challenges if they depend exclusively on these benefits [1] - It suggests that individuals should explore alternative income sources, such as personal savings, investments, and pensions, to supplement their retirement income [1] - The article points out that the current economic climate and rising living costs may further strain the effectiveness of Social Security as a primary income source during retirement [1]