Most retirees don’t delay Social Security benefits. Experts say it pays to wait

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

Why tipping is different here

In July 2020, my husband and I left Los Angeles with our two small kids, to visit his family in a small town in the Danish countryside. We didn’t realize the trip would result in a permanent move and a new adventure. When a 1700’s farmhouse came on the market, we took a chance and … Read more

What Social Security beneficiaries need to know about overpayment policies

Mstudioimages | E+ | Getty Images Social Security beneficiaries who owe money to the Social Security Administration may see much lower default withholding rates from their monthly checks, thanks to new policies that are going into effect. As of March 25, the Social Security Administration will no longer collect 100% of a total monthly Social … Read more

Certain outdoor features can help sell your home for over $10,000 more

Filippobacci | E+ | Getty Images If your home boasts certain trendy outdoor features, you may be able to sell it for more in today’s market. At the top of the list is outdoor TVs, which may help raise the home sale price to 3.1% more than expected, representing a $10,749 boost based on the … Read more

Why consumers might be getting less for their money

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

Why Social Security cost-of-living adjustment may be smaller in 2025

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

Here’s where prices fell in February 2024 — in one chart

A customer shops for food at a grocery store in San Rafael, California, March 12, 2024. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images News | Getty Images The U.S. is still grappling with higher inflation, government data released this week shows. But there are some bright spots for consumers. Inflation is lower than its 2022 peak. And … Read more

Here’s the inflation breakdown for February 2024 — in one chart

Shoppers are seen in a Kroger supermarket in Atlanta on Oct. 14, 2022. Elijah Nouvelage | AFP | Getty Images Consumers continued to contend with higher inflation in February, according to new government data. The consumer price index — an inflation measure that tracks changes in the prices of consumer goods and services over time … Read more

Where candidates stand on Social Security, Medicare

Former U.S. President Donald Trump watches a video of President Joe Biden playing during a rally for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) at the Miami-Dade Country Fair and Exposition on November 6, 2022 in Miami, Florida. Joe Raedle | Getty Images News | Getty Images Former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden issued opposing … Read more

How lessons from playing poker can apply to investing

Eric Raptosh Photography | Tetra Images | Getty Images It is often said that without risk, there is no reward. It’s a maxim that poker and chess pro Jennifer Shahade, author of “Play Like a Champion,” knows well. “In poker, risk and calibrating risk is the name of the game,” Shahade said during the CNBC … Read more