Money, Wealth & Power—A Daily Look at the Financial World
In today’s digital age, safeguarding your Social Security number (SSN) is more crucial than ever. With identity theft on the rise, knowing where not to share your SSN can protect you from potential fraud. This article highlights ten places where sharing your SSN could put you at risk, based on expert advice and recent reports….
Families with children could see significant financial relief in 2026, with potential IRS benefits reaching up to $8,231. This increase is largely due to recent adjustments in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other provisions aimed at supporting parents. These changes, alongside the IRS’s 2026 tax bracket updates, are set to impact returns filed…
Social Security’s full retirement age is set to change in 2026, affecting the eligibility for full benefits for workers born in specific years. This adjustment continues the gradual increase from 65 to 67 for later generations, as detailed in recent analyses. Additionally, the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement includes three key changes to payments, though…
Returning to work after starting Social Security benefits can be a double-edged sword. While it might boost your income, it can also trigger the Social Security earnings test, leading to withheld benefits if your earnings exceed $22,320 in 2025 for those under full retirement age. This is particularly significant for early claimers at age 62,…
The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8 percent increase in benefits for 2026, impacting millions of recipients nationwide starting in January. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will raise the average monthly benefit for retired workers from $1,920 to approximately $1,976, offering some relief amid ongoing inflation pressures. However, there are discussions about regional cost differences…
The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, providing a modest increase in benefits for retirees and other recipients starting in January. This adjustment, intended to keep pace with inflation, has sparked criticism as many argue it falls short of addressing the economic challenges faced by beneficiaries. The increase will…
The Social Security Administration is making a significant change this fall by eliminating paper checks and transitioning all beneficiaries to electronic payments. This move is part of a broader modernization effort under the Trump Administration aimed at enhancing efficiency and security. While some recipients may need to adjust if their checks are insufficient, experts believe…
Social Security is a crucial component of retirement planning, yet many individuals make costly mistakes that can significantly impact their financial well-being. Understanding these errors and how to avoid them is essential for maximizing benefits. This article outlines the ten most costly Social Security mistakes and provides guidance on how to steer clear of them,…
Financial advisor Dave Ramsey and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) have issued stark warnings about the future of Social Security, emphasizing risks that could impact millions of retirees. Their alerts, detailed in recent coverage from October 20, 2025, underscore the urgency of addressing potential shortfalls in the program’s funding. This joint concern from…
Retirees eagerly anticipating the 2026 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announcement may face delays due to a government shutdown. This potential setback comes as beneficiaries in ten states are expected to receive the largest raises next year, underscoring regional disparities in benefits. Experts are also providing insights into what retirees can expect from the COLA,…