A new government will take office in the White House early next year, pending the outcome of next week’s presidential election, and one of the first challenges it will face will be Social Security. Despite an imminent funding cliff that could result in benefits cuts within the next ten years, Social Security has largely been neglected, even […]
Category: Finance
Will Retirees on Social Security Do Better Financially in 2025 Once Their 2.5% COLA Takes Effect? Here’s What History Says
Last month, the Social Security Administration shared some news that millions of seniors have been waiting for — an official 2025 cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. Benefits will be rising 2.5% at the start of the new year. And while that’s certainly not the smallest COLA seniors have ever gotten, it pales in comparison to recent […]
UK Pension Fund Makes Historic Bitcoin Investment
A UK pension fund has become the first in the country to add Bitcoin (BTC) to its portfolio. In a press release on Monday, the pension advice firm Cartwright said it had recommended a 3% Bitcoin allocation to an unidentified client, citing the digital currency’s long-term performance. Since 2013, Bitcoin has returned nearly 100,000%. Sam […]
9 important money moves to make before the end of the year
Total consumer debt reached an all-time high of $17.7 trillion in the second quarter of 2024, while Americans’ pandemic-era excess savings were depleted by March, according to the consulting firm Deloitte. Its report states that the strength of the U.S. consumer will be tested in 2025. That’s why now is the perfect time to check […]
Pre-1997 retirees update: Social Security payments left in 2024 before the 2025 COLA increase
Not all workers retire on the same date. Consequently, Social Security divides payments between those who began collecting retirement benefits before May 1997 and those who didn’t. Another interesting thing is the fact that those retirees who have a low income and no resources may be receiving Supplemental Security Income. If you also receive SSI apart from retirement benefits, you will share paydays with […]
Here’s the Maximum Possible Social Security Benefit at Ages 62, 67, and 70 in 2025
People hoping to receive the maximum Social Security benefit need to pay close attention to the yearly wage base limits. There’s no denying how important Social Security benefits are for retirees. In September, over 54 million Americans received Social Security retirement benefits, with many relying on them to make ends meet. Since Social Security is […]
Social Security confirms that there will be no payments this week – Government makes it official
You might be surprised, but no Social Security payments will be deposited into your account this week. This announcement may be hard to accept, even unbelievable, yet it’s true: the Social Security Administration (SSA) will not make any deposits this week. Whether you have savings or were unaware of this situation, it’s best to understand how this federal agency […]
6 creative holiday savings tips to keep your budget in check this year
The holiday season is fast approaching, and for many, it’s one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year. In fact, holiday shoppers plan to spend an average of $1,638 on gifts, travel, and entertainment this year, according to PWC’s 2024 Holiday Outlook. That’s a 7% increase over 2023 and a 15% jump […]
These 3 Important Social Security Changes Were Just Announced. Did You Miss Them?
Did you know that Social Security is almost 90 years old? The Social Security Act was signed into law in August of 1935, and for decades since, older Americans have been able to collect monthly benefits. But just because Social Security has been around for a long time doesn’t mean the program just stays the […]
The No. 1 move to improve your finances in 5 minutes, according to CFPs
If you want to make an improvement to your life, there’s always going to be someone hoping to sell you a quick fix. Getting back in shape? Try 6 Second Abs. Looking to be more effective at work? Pick up a copy of “The One-Minute Manager.” Of course, establishing good long-term habits is rarely so simple. […]
How One Investor Made Retirement Happen With $61,600 In Annual Dividends
Dividend investing is an approach to building wealth over the long term. By investing in companies that consistently pay dividends to their shareholders, investors can benefit from a steady stream of income while potentially growing their principal investment. Reddit user Low-Stop5314 recently revealed how the strategy will enable them to retire with $61,600 in annual […]
IRS announces 401(k) contribution limits for 2025
The IRS has announced new 401(k) contribution limits for 2025. In its release Friday, the agency increased the employee deferral limit to $23,500, up from $23,000 in 2024. The change applies to workplace plans, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s and most 457 plans, along with the federal Thrift Savings Plan. The IRS also unveiled 2025 catch-up contribution […]