As older members of Generation X inch toward their golden years, the pressure of retirement saving is on — especially for those sandwiched between the financial burdens of caring for both elderly parents and adult children. About half, or 48%, of Gen Xers say they won’t have enough money to enjoy their retirement, a 2024 […]
Category: Finance
More companies want you to keep your 401(k) with them after you retire. Should you?
Companies are responding to an aging workforce and scars from the past three years of elevated inflation by changing up options in their retirement plans, according to surveys by global asset manager MFS Investment Management. Six of 10 retirement savers said they’re worried inflation could affect their savings, while 61% of the more than 4,000 plan participants MFS surveyed said they’ve […]
The common mistake that could cost you your retirement: Here’s how to make sure you’re really contributing to a 401(k)
It turns out that some workers may be misinformed when it comes to their retirement preparedness. In fact, 59% of those not currently contributing to their 401(k) or other workplace retirement plan think they are, according to a recent survey from Principal Financial Group. More than 75% of those employees believed they started saving as […]
Regret claiming Social Security early? This little-known move could boost checks up to 28%
Claiming Social Security early gets you more checks from the program, but it often results in reducing the total benefits you collect over your lifetime. Applying as soon as possible at 62 can shrink your monthly check by up to 30% (compared to what you’re eligible for at full retirement age). Not everyone realizes this […]
More retirees consider returning to work as high inflation squeezes
A growing number of retired Americans are considering returning to work as they continue to battle chronic inflation, according to a new survey published by the Motley Fool. About 44% of respondents said they are thinking about looking for work because their Social Security benefits have not adequately kept pace with high inflation. While Social […]
Social Security is constantly getting tweaked. Here’s what could be changing next.
Because Social Security has been around for decades, you might assume that the program pretty much stays the same from one year to the next. But that’s not necessarily true. Social Security has already undergone some pretty notable changes in 2024. Now that we’re reaching the midpoint of the year, it’s important that you be […]
United States Government Announces Official July Retirement Payment Schedule
Although June is not yet over, for many retirees in the United States, the Social Security check will not appear in the checking account until July. Two of the benefit payments have already been sent out. Thus, we are in the middle of one month and another. Thus, some retirees already have June Social Security available and are waiting to […]
The Social Security COLA for 2025 Is Shaping Up to Be a Double-Edged Sword, but It Could Be Worse
Although any increase is beneficial, seniors may find the projected COLA is still lacking. Over 50 million Americans receive Social Security retirement benefits. Some of these retirees use Social Security solely as supplemental income to their retirement savings and investments, but millions rely heavily on the checks for their daily living expenses. That’s why the […]
No, Social Security Isn’t Getting a $600 Payment Increase This Month
The rumors aren’t true, but 2025 will see a benefit increase for all Social Security recipients. Retirees have complained for decades about Social Security’s declining buying power, even in the face of above-average cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) the last few years. So many were undoubtedly excited when they heard reports of a $600 Social Security benefit […]
Workers in certain industries tend to have higher 401(k) balances, Fidelity data shows
To gauge your retirement preparedness, you may compare your 401(k) balance with other savers’ progress. But you might find that people in your field are a better comparison point than those in your age group. Recent data from Fidelity finds that 401(k) plan investors on the firm’s platform had a $125,900 average 401(k) balance in […]
Social Security bosses reveal potential massive cut to retirement income as Congress desperately scrambles to not run out of cash
The head actuaries for Social Security and Medicare have testified before a House committee about looming financial challenges which could see funds run short by 2035. Social Security relies on its trust funds to provide monthly benefit checks to around 70 million Americans. But an aging population is pushing up the cost of the program […]
Early SSDI Payment Date Announced: Thousands of Beneficiaries to Receive Checks This Month
This month, recipients of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program in the United States will receive their payments earlier than usual due to a modification in the regular disbursement schedule. This adjustment, while minor, has significant implications for thousands of people who rely on these funds for their daily needs. Typically, SSDI payments are made on the third Wednesday […]