Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of evaluating financial readiness before retirement, particularly for those planning to retire in 2026, and suggests that relying solely on Social Security may not be sufficient for a comfortable retirement [1]. Financial Overview - The average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers was $2,013.32 as of November 2025, which translates to approximately $24,000 annually. This amount is expected to increase slightly due to a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2026 [3][5]. - Medicare Part B premiums are projected to rise to $202.90 per month in 2026, which will be deducted from Social Security benefits, potentially reducing the net income available to retirees [4]. Retirement Planning Strategies - The article suggests that individuals relying solely on Social Security should consider delaying retirement to build additional savings, such as contributing to an IRA or 401(k), which can provide financial flexibility [6]. - Even a modest contribution, such as $12,000 into an IRA over two additional working years, can help cover unexpected expenses during retirement, thereby enhancing financial security [7][9]. - The article highlights the potential struggles retirees may face if they depend exclusively on Social Security, advocating for supplementary income sources, including part-time or gig work, to improve overall financial stability [8].

Her 401(k) contributions went missing, and no one could tell her why. One woman's yearslong quest to find the money. https://t.co/XSdGeakuqw ...

Deciding how to handle 401(k), IRA and Roth accounts is part of retirement planning. (designer491/Getty Images/iStockphoto) Dear Liz: When I retired, I had a small 401(k) with about $12,000 in it. Instead of rolling that money into an IRA, I took a distribution and paid taxes on it. I had no immediate need for the remaining funds, so eventually I opened a new IRA account and deposited the money. I now realize I should have put it in a Roth IRA so I wouldn’t face double taxation on the money. This is the s ...

jacoblund/Getty Images Your crucial retirement number isn’t the balance of your 401(k). Key Takeaways Most households should aim to replace 70% to 85% of their pre-retirement pay, combining savings withdrawals with Social Security. Adjusting the mix of contributions, your claiming age, and products such as annuities lets you hit a personalized replacement target. Reaching $1 million in your 401(k) is a big milestone, but a seven‑figure balance can be a mirage. The question is whether all of your ret ...

Are you required to take money out of your IRA or 401(k) account this year? Use the https://t.co/HcJIp4BiPo Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) calculator to know how much you need to withdraw.https://t.co/kZ2udkGeE9 ...

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 ...

Maxing out your 401(k) may feel out of reach, but advisors say it’s more attainable than you think if you increase contributions gradually. https://t.co/MwD3sXhR2A ...

Your 401(k) doesn’t just disappear when you die. Here’s how it’s transferred, who gets it, the tax impact, and why beneficiary updates matter more than you think. https://t.co/GzNYeyvScI ...

Ares has resisted partnering with other money managers to reach everyday investors, including through the 401(k) market, even as others team up with more traditional firms to invest for the masses. https://t.co/Y2tXfig71F ...

A large portion of employees withdraw their entire 401(k) balance when they leave a job rather than rolling it over to their new employer or another account, Vanguard found. https://t.co/B2k6wjfeby ...