Tag

Retirees

All articles tagged with #retirees

2027 Social Security COLA Seen at 3.5%, Sparking Debates on Caps
economy28 days ago

2027 Social Security COLA Seen at 3.5%, Sparking Debates on Caps

August inflation data point to a 2027 COLA around 3.5%, the biggest since 2023, with the SSA to confirm after September data and announce on Oct. 14. A 3.5% COLA would boost average checks by roughly $70 monthly, though the final figure could change with September’s inflation. The rise feeds into broader concerns about solvency of the Social Security trust fund (projected to run dry by 2032) and renewed talk of reforms, including caps. Medicare Part B premiums and other costs continue to erode retirees' purchasing power, while pundits differ on the exact COLA forecast (CRFB at ~3.4% vs. trustees’ 2.7%).

Flat-rate COLA draws fierce debate: a universal boost or a hidden cut for most retirees?
policy29 days ago

Flat-rate COLA draws fierce debate: a universal boost or a hidden cut for most retirees?

USA TODAY reports on a revived flat-rate COLA proposal that would award all beneficiaries the same dollar increase, based on the 20th percentile. Proponents say it would be highly progressive and could extend solvency, while critics—led by AARP—warn that about 80% of beneficiaries would lose purchasing power over time, with middle-income retirees and those aging into poverty hardest hit; the average beneficiary could lose roughly $285 per year under such a plan. The Social Security trust fund could run dry by 2032, after which benefits would have to be reduced by about 22% unless reforms are enacted. Other options discussed include raising the payroll tax cap or applying payroll taxes to higher earners to fund higher benefits.

Fortress Monthly Dividends: 5 Safe Picks for Retirees This August
business2 months ago

Fortress Monthly Dividends: 5 Safe Picks for Retirees This August

August’s five safest monthly-dividend plays for retirees are Realty Income (O), Main Street Capital (MAIN), Agree Realty (ADC), EPR Properties (EPR), and LTC Properties (LTC). With fortress balance sheets and near‑full occupancy, these names deliver steady monthly checks and multi‑year dividend growth, even in a higher-rate environment. Realty Income offers a long track record and ~5% yield; MAIN provides credit-focused stability; ADC complements with strong occupancy; EPR shows solid AFFO growth; and LTC benefits from aging demographics. While risks exist (impairments, debt, rate sensitivity), the article emphasizes safety and predictable income over headline yields for retirees seeking reliable monthly income.

Record NILF: 105.8 Million Americans Out of the Labor Force Sets New Peak
business2 months ago

Record NILF: 105.8 Million Americans Out of the Labor Force Sets New Peak

U.S. adults not in the labor force topped 105.8 million in June, a new record that exceeds peaks from the Great Recession and the COVID era. The labor-force participation rate slipped to 59%, with retirees comprising about half of NILF and roughly 23 million on long-term disability or illness. Analysts flag rising dropout rates among prime‑age men and a growing subset of women, noting the era’s aging population and sprawling disability programs as key factors. Some fear AI disruption and calls for universal basic income could worsen the trend, while others urge policy changes to better track and support those outside the workforce.

2027 Social Security COLA Expected Around 2.8% Amid Inflation Spike
finance5 months ago

2027 Social Security COLA Expected Around 2.8% Amid Inflation Spike

Predictions from the Senior Citizens League place the 2027 Social Security COLA at about 2.8%, with the official figure due in October after Q3 data. While the bump could equal or exceed 2026, inflation is rising (CPI around 3.3%, driven by higher oil prices), which may erode the real gain for retirees. Historically, COLAs have often lagged inflation, and many beneficiaries say the current lift won’t fully cover rising costs, so retirees should plan with cautious expectations.

Backlog Leaves Postal Retirees Waiting Months for Federal Benefits
local6 months ago

Backlog Leaves Postal Retirees Waiting Months for Federal Benefits

CBS Texas reports that thousands of federal retirees, including postal workers, are facing months-long delays in receiving retirement benefits as the USPS and the Office of Personnel Management cope with a shift from paper to electronic processing and a surge in new retirements. Some retirees have only partial interim pay while awaiting full benefits, and officials say paper filings take 90–100 days, with electronic filings processing faster as they work to speed up processing.

Avoid Costly Mistakes: Essential RMD Tips for Retirees
finance1 year ago

Avoid Costly Mistakes: Essential RMD Tips for Retirees

Many retirees are only taking their required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts out of fear of outliving their assets, which can lead to significant lost income. This cautious approach, part of the 'retirement consumption paradox,' often results in large account balances and unnecessary withdrawals later in life. Retirees are encouraged to explore alternative strategies like qualified charitable distributions or rolling funds into a Roth account to optimize their income.

Social Security 2025: Historic Milestones and Significant COLA Changes Ahead
economy1 year ago

Social Security 2025: Historic Milestones and Significant COLA Changes Ahead

Social Security beneficiaries are set to receive a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2025, the smallest increase since 2021 and below the 10-year average. This adjustment may not fully compensate for inflation, as recent data shows inflation reaccelerating, potentially reducing retirees' purchasing power. Retirees are advised to explore options like high-yield savings accounts or stock market investments to supplement their income.

2025 Brings Mixed Changes to Social Security and Medicare for Retirees
finance1 year ago

2025 Brings Mixed Changes to Social Security and Medicare for Retirees

Medicare Part B premiums will increase to $185 in 2025, up from $174.70 in 2024, alongside a rise in the annual deductible to $257. This increase will offset the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in Social Security benefits, reducing the net benefit for many retirees. The impact will vary based on individual benefit amounts, with lower-income beneficiaries feeling the squeeze more acutely. However, 'hold harmless' rules will protect those with very low benefits from the full premium increase.

Key 2025 Social Security Updates: What Retirees Need to Know Before Claiming Benefits
personal-finance1 year ago

Key 2025 Social Security Updates: What Retirees Need to Know Before Claiming Benefits

Retirees considering claiming Social Security benefits in 2025 should carefully evaluate the financial implications of claiming early versus waiting. Claiming benefits as early as age 62 can reduce monthly payments by 25-30%, while delaying until age 70 can increase them by 15-25%. It's crucial to assess benefit options based on factors like income history and retirement plans, as there's no advantage to delaying claims past age 70. Consulting with the Social Security Administration can help retirees make informed decisions about when to start receiving benefits.

Major Social Security Updates for 2025: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
economy1 year ago

Major Social Security Updates for 2025: What Beneficiaries Need to Know

The Social Security Administration announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025, which is smaller than recent years' increases. While this modest raise may seem disappointing, it reflects cooling inflation, meaning retirees' buying power may remain stable. However, rising Medicare Part B premiums will offset some of the COLA benefits, reducing the net increase for many seniors.