Money, Wealth & Power—A Daily Look at the Financial World
Health policy in President Donald Trump’s second year back in office is shifting from emergency pandemic-era supports to a new architecture built around price transparency, personal savings accounts, and tighter federal spending. The White House is betting that a mix of tax-advantaged accounts, drug price reforms, and revised Medicare and Medicaid payments can slow premium…
A 2026 study by Clever Real Estate found that 81% of retirees say they need more help from the government, a striking signal that the safety net is not keeping pace with real life costs. I see that frustration reflected in everything from medical bills to property taxes. Here are seven concrete ways retirees can…
Kevin O’Leary is trying to shock Americans out of complacency about retirement, and his harshest words are aimed straight at their 401(k) plans. The longtime investor argues that treating a workplace plan as a set‑it‑and‑forget‑it solution is a recipe for disappointment, especially as Social Security replaces a shrinking share of income and living costs keep…
Medicare’s 2026 rulebook is quietly rewriting how older Americans will pay for prescriptions and Medicare Advantage coverage, shifting more of the savings toward people with heavy drug needs while leaving others to wrestle with higher basic costs. The headline changes, from the first round of negotiated drug prices to a new ceiling on Part D…
The typical American worker is heading toward retirement with less money than many people spend on a single car repair. The median nest egg is just $955, a figure that reflects not a rounding error but a systemic failure to help workers build lasting security. That number captures a country where retirement has quietly shifted…
For most Americans, Social Security is not a side dish in retirement, it is the main course. The age you first file can shrink or supercharge that income for the rest of your life, turning a seemingly small timing choice into a six‑figure decision. The smartest strategy is rarely “grab it as soon as possible,”…
For many retirees, the pull of grandchildren is stronger than any beach or golf course. The idea of spontaneous visits and school concerts on a Tuesday afternoon can feel like the ultimate reward after decades of work. Yet the very move that promises emotional closeness can quietly undermine finances, health and family relationships if it…
The typical American retiree looks reasonably prepared on paper, with roughly $200,000 set aside in dedicated accounts. Yet a large share of older households are living as if that money barely exists, leaning almost entirely on monthly government checks to cover the basics. The gap between what people have, what they say they will need,…
Living on Social Security alone is a stretch in much of the United States, but not everywhere. With the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment, the average monthly benefit for all retired workers is projected to reach an estimated $2,071, according to multiple analyses of Social Security data, and some states are inexpensive enough that this check can…
For retired couples, Social Security is often the backbone of the household budget, and spousal benefits can dramatically change how much ultimately lands in your bank account. The rules are intricate, but they are not random: they are designed to coordinate two work records, protect lower earners, and discourage claiming too early. Used well, they…