The Latest Breaking News from Social Security

6 Expenses That Can Suddenly Cost More After One Spouse Dies

Losing a spouse can transform a household budget in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Some expenses disappear, but the mortgage, property taxes, utilities, insurance, and...

Saving Advice · Aug 18

The Social Security Question Married Couples Should Answer Before Either Spouse Claims

For married couples, deciding when to claim Social Security should rarely be treated as two completely separate decisions. One spouse may want benefits at 62...

Saving Advice · Aug 18

The 4% Rule Isn’t a Retirement Law: 6 Reasons Your Withdrawal Rate May Need to Be Different

The 4% rule sounds wonderfully simple: withdraw 4% of a retirement portfolio in the first year, then increase that dollar amount with inflation each year. But simplicity can become dangerous when a rule of thumb starts sounding like a commandment carved into a retirement-planning stone tablet. William Bengen’s original research…

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 18

Social Security payment dates 2026: Next checks arrive on August 19 and 26; see who gets paid

Social Security payments continue through August 2026 for eligible beneficiaries. SSI recipients received their August payment early on July thirty-first. Retirement and SSDI payments are based on birth dates for most recipients. The 2026 benefits include a two point eight percent cost-of-living adjustment. Beneficiaries should wait three business days if…

The Economic Times · Aug 17

The 5 Pillars of a Fulfilling Retirement (and They Don't Include Savings, Healthcare Costs or Social Security)

While a solid financial plan tells you if you can afford to retire, a "second checklist" focused on purpose, relationships and well-being is also important.

Kiplinger · Aug 16

What Happens to Your Social Security Check When Your Spouse Dies?

For a retired couple living on two Social Security checks, the death of a spouse can create an immediate financial shock on top of an...

Saving Advice · Aug 16

Hitting Your Retirement Number Is Not Your Cue to Retire: You Still Have This Question to Answer

Hitting your savings goal is worth celebrating, but you're not done with retirement planning. Next, ask yourself how you'll keep more of what you saved.

Kiplinger · Aug 16

Should Retirees Still Keep an Emergency Fund? The Answer Changes After You Stop Working

For most of your working life, emergency-fund advice probably sounded straightforward: keep enough cash available to survive a few months without a paycheck. Then you...

Saving Advice · Aug 16

Social Security Benefits Stop Growing at 70 — But These Retirement Decisions Don’t

Waiting to claim Social Security can pay off, but there is a point when waiting longer stops helping. The Social Security Administration explains that retirement...

Saving Advice · Aug 16

Thrive in Your First Year of Retirement

As a record number of Americans turn 65, staying flexible — in your finances and your plans — will be key to achieving your best post-work life.

Kiplinger · Aug 15