Why Skipping Medicare Open Enrollment Could Be a Costly Mistake
Medicare open enrollment takes place every year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
2 min read Published
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Where Homeowners Face the Smallest Property Tax Bills, Topping Out Below 0.5%
As the costs of owning a home continue to climb, property taxes have grown so unpopular that many states are seeking to cut them or overhaul the system.
6 min read Published
Why Skipping Medicare Open Enrollment Could Be a Costly Mistake
Autumn is a good time to enjoy local parks and hiking trails, take in some football, and browse farmers' markets on the weekend. It is also an important time to take another look…
2 min read Published
How Much Can a $1.4 Million Retirement Portfolio Pay Each Month Before Social Security Starts at 70?
Living for years entirely on a $1.4 million nest egg before Social Security begins may sound simple, but a weak market early in retirement can permanently reduce what that…
4 min read Published
At 62 With $1.4 Million, No Pension and Social Security at 70: How Much Can You Withdraw Each Month First?
A 62-year-old with $1.4 million saved, no pension, and a plan to wait until 70 to claim Social Security has eight years in which the portfolio must cover every expense. The key…
5 min read Published
Real World Economics: Social Security Basics Are Widely Misunderstood
7 min read Published
New SNAP and Medicaid Paperwork Rules May Jeopardize Benefits—What Older Adults Need to Review Now
A household’s budget can lose a benefit long before anyone decides that the household no longer qualifies. Sometimes the problem begins with an unanswered notice, a missing bank…
7 min read Published
Social Security’s 3.6% COLA Is Set — and Why It Doesn’t Solve the 2033 Trust Fund Problem
The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for 2027. Tied to the Consumer Price Index, the increase is meant to help benefits keep…
2 min read Published
Why Social Security’s Bigger COLA May Not Go Far: 5 Expenses That Could Cancel It Out
Social Security beneficiaries are set to receive a larger increase in 2027 after the Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA.
3 min read Published
How I cleared $11,000 in credit card debt in 18 months without giving up travel or everyday life
As a personal finance reporter, I spend a lot of time telling other people how to manage money wisely. For years, though, I was carrying credit card debt myself.
6 min read Published
Retirees: What You Can and Can’t Control About Required Minimum Distributions
For many retiree households, required minimum distributions are not a major issue. They already need to draw on retirement savings to cover everyday expenses, so they are not…
6 min read Published
Warning signs in the housing market push sellers to cut prices: 'It makes no sense'
Homeowners across the United States who are trying to sell are increasingly being forced to trim their asking prices and keep their listings active for long periods, according to…
5 min read Published