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How Much Monthly Income Does the Average American Over 70 Have in Retirement?

Retirement income for Americans over 70 can look surprisingly different from one household to the next. In 2026, the average Social Security retirement benefit for someone ages 70 to 74 was about $2,083 per month, or just under $25,000 a year.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 13

7 Questions to Ask Before Using Dividend ETFs to Create a Retirement Paycheck

Dividend ETFs can look like an elegant retirement solution: buy a diversified basket of dividend-paying companies, collect distributions, and let the portfolio help cover the bills. That idea has plenty of appeal, but a dividend ETF is an investment, not a personal ATM with a tiny ticker symbol.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 13

July CPI Numbers Retirees Can Use to Test Their 2026 Spending Plan

July CPI numbers offer retirees something more useful than another inflation headline: a chance to give a 2026 spending plan a reality check. The latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows overall consumer prices rose 3.4% over the 12 months ending in July, while prices…

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 12

6 End-of-Summer Money Tasks That Can Prevent a Costly Year-End Rush

August has an underrated financial superpower: there is still enough year left to fix things. Six end-of-summer money tasks can help organize taxes, retirement savings, benefits, and paperwork before November and December turn every calendar into a game of financial Tetris. The goal does not involve predicting the future or…

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 11

6 Social Security Earnings-Test Details Workers Near Retirement Often Misread

Social Security’s earnings test can make working while collecting retirement benefits sound like a financial game of dodgeball. In 2026, workers below full retirement age can earn up to $24,480 before SSA starts withholding benefits, while people who reach full retirement age this year get a much higher $65,160 limit…

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 11

IRS Issues New Guidance on Expanded Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit

The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have issued official guidance on an expanded employer tax credit for paid family and medical leave (PFML), according to an announcement from the two agencies. The guidance, published as Notice 2026-28, addresses changes made under legislation called the Working Families…

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 10

New York Attorney General Warns of Gold Bar Scam That Has Cost Victims More Than $100 Million

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert on August 7, 2026, warning New Yorkers about an increasingly common fraud known as the “gold bar scam,” which disproportionately targets older adults.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 10

Government Imposter Scams: How to Verify an IRS, SSA, or Medicare Contact

A call from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare can grab attention fast, especially when the caller claims something needs fixing today. The good news: an official-looking message does not automatically mean a scam, but a convincing voice, familiar agency name, or official-looking number does not prove legitimacy either.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 10

What Happens to a Joint Bank Account When One Owner Dies?

A joint bank account can look like the ultimate financial shortcut. Add a spouse, adult child, or trusted relative, and suddenly someone else can pay bills, access money in an emergency, or step in when managing finances becomes difficult. The trouble starts when everyone assumes that adding a name to…

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 10

6 Medicare Premium Surcharges That Can Follow a High-Income Year

A high-income year can come with an unexpected Medicare sequel. Earn more today, and Medicare may use that income later to decide that future Part B and Part D premiums should cost more.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 10