Friday, 5 December, 2025
A federal government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to agree on a new funding bill. As of early November, it has lasted several weeks, making it one of the longest in U.S. history. A shutdown happens when Congress doesn’t approve the government’s budget for the new […]
Imagine flipping through your favorite retirement magazine and seeing this headline: “A 2.8% bump is coming — but will it actually help retirees stay ahead?” Official 2026 COLA Increase For 2026, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.8 % cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for both Social Security and Supplemental […]
The U.S. federal government entered a shutdown on October 1, 2025 after Congress didn’t pass new funding or a stopgap “CR.” Social Security and Medicare continue to pay benefits, but some services slow or pause, agencies furlough staff, and certain nutrition and aid programs face near-term funding stress. Why do […]
Why Phasing Out Paper Checks Makes Sense On August 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that, effective September 30, 2025, the federal government will stop issuing most payments via paper check. U.S. Department of the Treasury The new policy urges those still receiving paper benefit checks (e.g. […]
The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935, as part of the New Deal. It was meant to be a federal safety net for elderly Americans, and for unemployment, widows/families, and poverty relief. At that time, millions of elderly people live […]
Social Security has been a cornerstone of retirement income for millions of Americans, but recent tax changes could move its insolvency date forward—meaning benefit cuts may arrive sooner than expected. For seniors, retirees, and those planning to retire in the next decade, understanding this shift is essential for protecting financial […]
To avoid outliving your retirement savings, you need to take a strategic approach that involves careful planning and disciplined spending. Below are specific tips with dollar amounts based on a person with an average lifetime salary of $75,000 a year. 1. Understand Your Living Expenses Rent/Mortgage: If you’re paying $1,500/month […]
Retirement is meant to be a time of comfort and financial stability, but many retirees find themselves puzzled when it comes to how their various income sources—such as rental income, pensions, IRA withdrawals, and inheritances—affect their Social Security benefits. If you’re one of the many retirees planning for or living […]
In the United States, over 2 million grandchildren are being raised by grandparents, and some of these children may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits under specific circumstances when the grandparent(s) pass away. Here’s an overview of the eligibility and key considerations: 1. Can grandchildren receive survivor benefits? Yes, grandchildren […]
As of May 13, 2025, Americans are seeing new developments in Social Security payments and federal tax reform proposals. This blog explores two major updates: who may receive up to $4,000 in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments this month, and the details of former President Donald Trump’s proposed tax […]