I guess we have to go back to January when it looked like that number was going to be zero. What happened. It did look like the number was going to be zero.The Trump administration has really been dialed in on getting health care costs under control in the United States. And one of the ways that they were going to do that in terms of the budget was to not increase the amount it paid for these private insurance plans called Medicare Advantage. Millions of Americans use these plans in order to get their healt ...

I just feel um ashamed like I should have known better or done better, you know, and and didn't get us um in this financial trouble. >> That trouble for Las Vegas couple Anita and Steven Thornton began nearly 2 years ago one night when Steven was rushed to the hospital. >> They said I might have to be put into emergency surgery.>> So, it's scary. >> It was scary. >> At first, he was relieved he didn't need surgery, but then what was the bill.around $24,000 >> for one night in the hospital >> for one night. ...

Core Insights - The five years leading up to retirement are crucial for planning, as decisions made during this period can have lasting impacts on financial security in retirement [3] Group 1: Importance of Pre-Retirement Planning - The decisions made in the five years before retirement significantly influence whether individuals experience a comfortable or restrictive retirement [2][3] - Near retirees often underestimate the loss of flexibility in financial decisions once retirement begins, making this planning phase critical [3] Group 2: Key Considerations - Social Security claiming decisions are vital, as claiming early can result in lower lifetime benefits, which is particularly concerning given inflation and rising healthcare costs [4][5] - Tax strategies in the years leading up to retirement can optimize income and cash flow, with proactive measures being more effective than reactive ones post-retirement [6] - Tax decisions made before retirement can also affect future healthcare costs, as income levels influence Medicare premiums and ACA subsidies [7]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of planning for spending in retirement to ensure funds last for 30 years or more [2] Group 1: Withdrawal Strategies - It is crucial to base withdrawals on account balance, with the 4% rule as a starting point, but a more conservative withdrawal rate of 3% to 3.5% is recommended to mitigate risks of negative returns and high inflation in early retirement [3] - A well-thought-out withdrawal strategy should consider the sequence of returns, as poor market performance in the initial years can significantly impact long-term sustainability [7] Group 2: Asset Allocation - Conventional wisdom suggests a more conservative investment approach as one ages, but a balanced allocation is necessary to capitalize on market rallies; recommended allocations are 50% to 65% in stocks, 25% to 40% in bonds, and 5% to 10% in cash [4] Group 3: Social Security Benefits - Delaying Social Security benefits until age 70 can increase monthly income significantly, with benefits increasing by about 8% per year until that age [6] Group 4: Risk Management - Three key risks that can undermine retirement spending plans include inflation, healthcare costs, and taxes; planning for 2.5% to 3% annual inflation and utilizing health savings accounts for healthcare expenses are advised [5][8]

The fact that the Netherlands has agreed that 36% unrealized gains tax on #Bitcoin and stocks is fine, is beyond insane.The VVD, the Liberals, are voting for something so insanely socialistic, is beyond me.They could have done everything to lower the budgetting:- Government efficiences- Lower the healthcare costs by pushing forward preventing diseases in healthier lifestyles, more full body checks instead of expensive medicines pushed by big pharma.- Stop the amount of asylum seekers within our country and ...

Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group's stock has significantly declined, losing nearly half of its value over the past year, raising concerns about its future performance and investment viability [1][2]. Financial Performance - In its latest quarterly results, UnitedHealth reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.11, slightly exceeding analyst expectations of $2.10, but its revenue of $113.2 billion fell short of the anticipated $113.82 billion [3]. - For the current year, UnitedHealth forecasts revenue of approximately $439 billion, indicating a year-over-year decline of 2% [5]. Market Conditions - The Trump administration's proposal to keep Medicare Advantage rates flat at a 0.09% increase for 2027 contrasts sharply with analysts' expectations of at least a 4% increase, which poses a significant challenge for UnitedHealth and other health insurance companies [4]. - Rising healthcare costs and increased utilization rates are contributing to the company's struggles, making it difficult to achieve revenue growth in the near term [7]. Investor Sentiment - The stock has seen a drastic decline, with a 13% drop in early 2026 following a 35% decrease in 2025, leading to a lack of optimism for a quick recovery [1][8]. - The current market capitalization stands at $259 billion, with a dividend yield of 3.06%, but the outlook remains bleak for short-term recovery [6][7].

Joining us now, Republican Congressman of California, Kevin Kylie. Welcome back to the program. Congressman, do you believe Speaker Johnson did try very hard to have a vote on the floor addressing the Affordable Care Act enhanced subsidies.>> I'm not so sure that about that to be honest with you. And and that clip you just played there, I'm hearing that for the first time. We weren't asking for a vote to show this as a priority. We were asking for a vote to actually solve the problem and stop 22 million uh ...

Our health care subsidies for millions of Americans are all but certain to expire at the end of this year after House Speaker Mike Johnson said yesterday there would be no vote on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits this week. A lastditch effort by moderate Republicans to put an extension on the floor for a vote failed last night after the House Rules Committee blocked several of the amendments they were hoping to attach to a Republican health care plan released last week. Instead, today the House ...

NBC News chief data analyst Steve Cornaki joins me now from the big board. And Steve, take us through this poll and and how is it concerning. In what ways do you see this being a factor ahead of next year's midterm elections. >> Yeah, Kelly, ahead of next year's midterms and certainly in the wake of those humbling elections in November, the off-year elections for Republicans in Virginia and New Jersey, we see Trump's approval rating in this poll at 42%.Now, back in the spring, start of his second term, uh, ...

After winds last month in New Jersey and Virginia, as well as a closer than expected special election in Tennessee, Democrats are hoping the wind is at their back ahead of the 2026 midterms. And that even some reliably red states seats in the House rather, and the Senate could possibly be flipped. And joining me now is Dr.. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and Democratic candidate for Senate in South Carolina. Dr. . Thank you so much for joining us here on Meet the Press Now. Thank you so much for having me.>> ...