Saving for the future has felt like an uphill battle for many Americans lately. Inflation is still up, gas prices aren’t budging, and many workers are cutting back on 401(k) contributions just to put more money in their pockets. But for roughly 56 million Americans,...
Retirement
The Retirement Magic Number Is Now $1.46 Million — Here’s How to Catch Up
According to the 2026 Planning and Progress Study by Northwestern Mutual, the average American now believes they’ll need $1.46 million to retire comfortably. That’s a $200,000 jump from last year. For many Americans, this upward trend is unsettling. But Americans...
These Proposed Social Security Updates Aim To Protect Identity Theft Victims and Simplify Retirement Claiming Ages
The House of Representatives recently passed three bills aimed at improving Social Security services, particularly for retirees and identity theft victims. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is supposed to be a resource for Americans, even before they collect...
How Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Could Impact Social Security Taxes for Seniors
The newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) has stirred considerable interest, especially regarding Social Security, and there has been some confusion about whether the bill eliminates taxes on Social Security. While President Trump himself has said that it does,...
Maximize Your Retirement Nest Egg: Lesser-Known Advantages of 401(k)s
A 401(k) fund tends to be a passive piece of an employee’s retirement plan—automatic contributions, company match, and occasional check-ins. But if you haven’t reviewed your plan recently, you might be missing out on some newer features that can significantly enhance...
Why More Americans Are Converting to Roth IRAs in Today’s Unpredictable Market
With the economy facing ups and downs—from rising interest rates to inflation and global trade issues—many Americans are reevaluating how they plan for retirement. One option that more people are exploring is converting traditional retirement accounts to a Roth IRA....
Social Security Fairness Act: What Retirees Need to Know About Retroactive Payments and Taxes
The Social Security Fairness Act of 2025 restores benefits to retirees affected by WEP and GPO, providing many with retroactive Social Security payments. However, these lump-sum payments can significantly impact taxable income, potentially pushing recipients into a higher tax bracket. Understanding the tax implications and exploring strategies like the IRS lump-sum election can help retirees minimize their tax burden.
