Personal Finance for Life After 60
The Big Read
Nearly two-thirds of Americans claim before their full retirement age, often leaving hundreds of dollars a month on the table. A closer look at how to time the most important check of your life.
By Margaret Ellison · 8 min read
Analysis
Delaying benefits boosts your monthly check by 8% a year. For some households, taking money sooner still wins.
Explainer
A modest cost-of-living adjustment collides with rising Part B premiums. Here is the net effect.
Q&A
You may be entitled to more than you think based on a former spouse’s earnings record.
$1,976
Average monthly Social Security benefit
8%
Yearly increase for delaying benefits past FRA
$185
Estimated 2026 Medicare Part B premium
67
Full retirement age for those born after 1960
Medicare
Premiums, drug formularies, and provider networks change every year. A 20-minute review can save you thousands.
By David Okoro
Taxes
From the Social Security “tax torpedo” to required minimum distributions, timing your income matters more than ever.
By Susan Reyes
Retirement Income