Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on the retiree’s total income. It’s essential to understand how other sources of income — like pensions and investment withdrawals — impact the taxability of Social Security benefits. Proper tax planning can help minimize Uncle Sam’s share of your money.While you can start receiving benefits at 62, doing so will result in a reduced monthly benefit. Each year you wait until you reach 70 will significantly increase the benefit amount.While drawing your Social ...

Thinkstock Quick Read Annuities provide guaranteed lifetime income like Social Security but carry high fees and surrender charges. Fixed annuities offer predictable payments without market risk but may not keep pace with inflation. Make sure you understand the pros and cons of an annuity before buying one. If you’re thinking about retiring or know someone who is, there are three quick questions causing many Americans to realize they can retire earlier than expected. take 5 minutes to learn more he ...

Whether by choice or necessity, a growing number of American seniors are working well into their golden years. As of 2024, 23.4% of men and 16.2% of women over the age of 65 were still employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (1). Many of these seniors are also collecting Social Security benefits while at work. According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, roughly 40% of individuals work after claiming benefits, often for several years (2). Must Read The system ...

Key Points When two married people are eligible for Social Security, it opens the door to different strategies. You could have one person file early or on time while the other delays. Having both of you delay Social Security could lead to a very large monthly payday for life. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › It's very important for married couples to be on the same page financially. This holds true in the context of everything from buying a home to saving for ...

When it comes to retirement savings, Gen Xers lag behind their older (and younger) counterparts due to changes in the broader U.S. retirement system over the past few decades, namely the decline of pensions and the rise of defined contribution (DC) plans, like 401(k)s. "While many Baby Boomers have defined benefit pension plans that provide a set income for life, Gen Xers entered the workforce as pensions were being replaced by DC plans and before key features like auto-enroll and auto-escalate became commo ...

Key Points Make sure you understand how to maximize your benefits. Figure out how important survivor benefits might be to you. See how Social Security fits into your overall retirement finances. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most important financial choices you might make in your lifetime. And if you're married, that's not a decision you should be making alone. Here are three crucial things all spouses ne ...

Tim Boyle / Getty Images News via Getty Images Key Points The median retirement savings for Americans aged 65 to 74 is $200K. A $200K nest egg generates only $8K annually using the 4% withdrawal rule. Claiming Social Security at 62 instead of 67 reduces monthly benefits by 30%. If you’re thinking about retiring or know someone who is, there are three quick questions causing many Americans to realize they can retire earlier than expected. take 5 minutes to learn more here The median retirement ...

Key Points Current and future workers are going to be affected by changes to Social Security in 2026. Planning for Social Security changes early is important. The changes to Social Security could affect the amount of money you have. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Social Security has been keeping seniors out of poverty and enhancing their financial security for close to 90 years. Throughout that time, there have been a few major changes to how Social Security ...

Retirement doesn’t mean your financial journey is over. In fact, it’s just entering a new phase. As a retiree, you’ve got to stay on top of your expenses since you’re likely living on a fixed income and want to avoid running out of savings. That’s why it’s more important than ever to stay proactive with your money. Read Next: Gen X Is Hoping To Retire Like Boomers: Here’s Why They Can’t For You: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K Per Month From Home While it may seem backwards to look to younger ...

jacoblund/Getty Images Your crucial retirement number isn’t the balance of your 401(k). Key Takeaways Most households should aim to replace 70% to 85% of their pre-retirement pay, combining savings withdrawals with Social Security. Adjusting the mix of contributions, your claiming age, and products such as annuities lets you hit a personalized replacement target. Reaching $1 million in your 401(k) is a big milestone, but a seven‑figure balance can be a mirage. The question is whether all of your ret ...