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For decades, the deal felt straightforward: pay into Social Security through every paycheck, then collect benefits in retirement tax-free. That assumption is wearing thin. Retiree confidence in Social Security dropped to 60% in 2026, while 69% of retirees now express concern about federal changes to the retirement system. Anxiety about the program’s future has become […]

Most Retirees Fear a Tax Surprise, But Few Have Done Anything About It Americans spend decades saving for retirement, tracking their 401(k)s, monitoring the market, and calculating how much they’ll need to stop working. What most do not calculate, however, is how much of that money will get taxed by the IRS once it’s pulled

When interest rates move, markets react in seconds. Retirees feel the impact over months and years. After the fastest series of rate hikes in decades, attention has shifted to when the Federal Reserve might begin cutting rates. For investors, it is part of the economic cycle. For retirees living on a fixed income, it can

In our recent survey conducted with 1,000 Americans, over half of Gen Xers—those born between 1965 and 1980—reported feeling less confident about their retirement readiness compared to just a year ago.  According to our analysis, concerns about rising costs, economic volatility, and dwindling trust in government programs like Social Security are driving this shift in

Facing the loss of a loved one is hard enough without worrying about how to pay for it. Yet in America, the cost of a funeral can place an enormous strain on families, especially depending on where you live.  To understand these differences, we created a “death affordability index” by comparing funeral costs in every

Wondering about retirement? It looks surprisingly different depending on where you are in the U.S. The amount you need to save and the age you can actually retire can change a lot from one state to another. This is mainly because of factors like the local cost of living, which affects how far your money

Wondering how to use annuities to supplement your Social Security income? Annuities are a powerful tool to ensure a steady income stream alongside your Social Security benefits. In this article, you’ll discover different types of annuities, how they integrate with Social Security, and practical strategies to maximize your retirement income. Summary Need help choosing the

Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z has come of age in a world transformed by the internet and rocked by crisis after crisis. From 9/11 and the 2008 financial meltdown to COVID-19 and deepening political divides, this generation has faced near-constant upheaval while trying to build their lives and careers. So, how are they

When planning your retirement income, should you choose COLA vs laddering annuities? This article will explain how each works, their benefits, and their trade-offs, helping you decide which strategy aligns best with your financial goals. Summary Need help choosing the best annuity for your unique situation? Have questions about getting an annuity? If so, it’s

Worried about your finances in retirement? Discover the best strategies to keep your money growing in retirement. From maximizing contributions to diversifying investments and choosing the right annuities, this guide has it all. Summary Need help choosing the best annuity for your unique situation? Have questions about getting an annuity? If so, it’s best to