Ascentxmedia | E+ | Getty Images Many people claim Social Security retirement benefits at the earliest possible claiming age of 62. But that decision prompts their monthly benefits to be reduced for the rest of their lives. Working with a financial advisor should help encourage prospective beneficiaries to understand the value of delaying their benefit … Read more
Over time, higher costs and sluggish wage growth have left more Americans financially vulnerable, with many known as “ALICEs.” Nearly 40 million families, or 29% of the population, fall in the category of ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — according to United Way’s United for ALICE program, which first coined the term to refer … Read more
Demonstrators attend a rally asking Rep. Kean to “Stop MAGA Cuts! Protect Social Security!” on Feb. 24, 2023 in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images Voters who show up at the polls this November may not just be choosing among Republicans, Democrats and third-party tickets — but also casting … Read more
Viewstock | View Stock | Getty Images Last year, Americans’ confidence that they would have enough money to live comfortably in retirement fell the most since the global financial crisis. New research shows both workers’ and retirees’ confidence has not recovered. But some signs of optimism have emerged, particularly as wage growth now outpaces inflation … Read more
Sporrer/Rupp | Image Source | Getty Images The largest and final cohort of the baby boom generation — 30.4 million Americans — will turn 65 by 2030. And more than half of that group will rely primarily on Social Security for income, according to new research from the Alliance for Lifetime Income. When to claim … Read more
Riska | E+ | Getty Images It may be a while longer before the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, experts now say. That means savers can still earn the best returns on their cash in years, following a “nuclear winter for the better part of the last 15 years,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst … Read more
The Federal Reserve may have new incentives in the second quarter to cut rates deeper this year. Canaccord Genuity’s Tony Dwyer thinks a deteriorating jobs market and easing inflation will ultimately push the Fed to act. “I’m not saying that they have to go back to zero, but they have to be more aggressive,” the … Read more
South_agency | E+ | Getty Images House Republicans unveiled a plan this week that calls for raising the Social Security retirement age. Meanwhile, Democrats and advocates for the program are ramping up their calls to tax the rich to enhance benefits. “On the right, there is a line in the sand against tax increases,” said … Read more
Pixelseffect | E+ | Getty Images Some grocery store products are providing less for your money. And everyone from President Joe Biden to Cookie Monster has noticed. Blame shrinkflation. The term — which is increasingly used in conversation — refers to products becoming smaller in size, weight or quantity as their prices stay the same … Read more
Peopleimages | Istock | Getty Images Early estimates for the 2025 Social Security COLA New government data points to a 2.4% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2025, The Senior Citizens League estimates, based on new government inflation data released this week. To be sure, that estimate is subject to change. The Social Security Administration typically … Read more
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