Without children, many adults have fewer day-to-day expenses and more discretion over how—and when—they spend their money.
Not having kids might mean fewer financial obligations, but it doesn’t automatically make retirement planning easier.
In fact, flying solo as you age comes with its own set of complexities, from healthcare costs to estate decisions. Here’s what child-free adults should know when planning for life after work.
What age does your retirement plan run to?
For most people, the answer is somewhere in their mid-80s or early 90s. That has always sounded conservative — or at least, reasonable. It may no longer be.
For decades, the biggest risk to financial plans were external economic failures, like market crashes, inflation, interest rates, taxes, sequence of returns or bear markets.
We may well be on the cusp of the most important longevity surprise in modern financial planning. And many financial plans may be built around the wrong end date.
A portfolio can recover from a bear market.
A financial plan built for age 90 may crumble if a person lives to 110.
Congress has reintroduced the Social Security 2100 Act, which could affect some 71 million Americans. Here’s what to know.
Congress has reintroduced the Social Security 2100 Act, a bill that would increase benefits by 2% for some 71 million Americans—including 54 million retired workers and 9 million of their survivors and dependents.
The bill would temporarily change how Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated from 2027 to 2036 in order to better match the real financial pressures seniors face. It would set the new minimum in line with the consumer price index for the elderly (CPI-E) benefit, which is 125% of the federal poverty line. In the last few years, older Americans have been hit with higher living expenses, particularly healthcare and housing costs.
Retirement planning is less about hitting isolated age-based milestones and more about understanding how your financial decisions along the way create a ripple effect that shapes long-term income, taxes and healthcare costs.
You might know that certain ages matter in retirement planning: 59½, 62, 65 … these numbers come up in articles, in conversations, in the back of your mind when you’re wondering whether you’re on track.
Knowing a number exists and knowing what to do with it are different things.
I’ve worked with many people in their 50s and 60s who pay close attention to their finances for the first time, or finally getting serious after years of unmet intentions.
What I’ve consistently found, as a financial planner and educator with more than a decade of experience, is that the milestones themselves aren’t the hard part; it’s that nobody lays them out in order.
Here’s my attempt to do that.
As a record number of Americans turn 65, staying flexible—in your finances and your plans—will be key to achieving your best post-work life.
Most people have property they want to pass on to their family or others. This guide aims to help you understand how to pass your property in the manner you choose. This material is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.
Do I Need a Will?
Many people come up with various excuses to avoid making a will: “Everybody knows who’s supposed to get what.” “I wrote a list of my possessions and who gets them and put it in my dresser drawer.” “There are name tags on the bottom of all the knick-knacks and furniture.” However, these excuses can lead to confusion.
Running out of money in retirement rarely happens overnight. It often begins with small, reasonable choices such as withdrawing more for travel, helping family, or covering rising living costs.
Over time, those withdrawals can quietly outpace what your portfolio can sustain. Recognizing the warning signs early helps you make the right moves before balances start shrinking faster than expected. Below are signs that your withdrawals may be too high.
Social Security recipients can expect a smaller cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, in 2027 after the annual inflation rate tumbled in June, driven by the largest drop in consumer energy prices in over six years.
Mary Johnson, an independent Social Security policy analyst, significantly revised her estimate of the 2027 COLA downward.
Johnson cut her forecast by a full percentage point — from 4.7% last month to 3.7% on Tuesday — after new data indicated that inflation slowed more than expected in June. A 3.7% COLA would deliver an average increase of $74 per month to Social Security benefits.
The annual COLA is designed to prevent inflation from eroding the purchasing power of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for the more than 75 million people who receive them. While a smaller COLA means smaller benefit increases next year, it also reflects slower price growth that should ease pressure on retirees’ budgets.
The official 2027 COLA will be calculated from the average of the CPI-W readings for July, August and September — the third quarter of the year. The BLS is expected to release the first of those readings on Aug. 12.
Experts say it’s dangerous to let chatbots make financial decisions for you, and new research finds that the risks could be even greater than previously thought.
Money pros advise against relying on AI for financial advice, but plenty of people looking for authoritative-sounding advice seem willing to overlook the warnings about how these tools can make mistakes. Surveys have found that more than half of Americans already use AI for help making financial decisions, including more than 3 in 4 adults younger than 30.
According to a new study in the Journal of Financial Planning, the issues with AI-generated financial advice might go deeper than just inaccurate advice about investing or inadequate guidance about savings. Researchers found that the guidance offered by different chatbots can be all over the map. Even more worrying: The results suggested that some chatbots could be dispensing biased advice based on race or gender.
A research team comprising professors from the University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy and the University of Georgia analyzed financial advice dispensed by chatbots in response to prompts seeking guidance for common household money questions.
A new federally created savings account for American children launched on July 4, 2026, when Trump Accounts began accepting contributions. The accounts were formally established under Section 530A of the Internal Revenue Code as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Whether you have a newborn, a teenager, or grandchildren across multiple ages, we thought it would be helpful to give you an overview of what the accounts actually do, what they do not do, and how to think about them alongside what you may already have in place for the children in your life. This new account type has certain limitations and decisions that will depend on your family’s situation and goals.
From bigger withdrawal amounts to smart tax and portfolio moves, these RMD developments are worth a closer look.
For many older adults, required minimum distributions are a non-event: They’ve been spending from their retirement accounts since they stopped working.
But RMDs are unwelcome for many high-income retirees. Although they enjoyed the free tax ride on their traditional tax-deferred accounts in the years leading up to RMDs, they’re often annoyed by the distributions’ implications for their tax bills. Not only are RMDs taxed as ordinary income, but they can also have knock-on tax effects, leading to more tax on Social Security benefits and higher Medicare costs.
The good news for RMD-avoidant seniors is that the RMD starting age has been sliding upward for the past several years. The required beginning date was stuck at 70.5 through 2019, but the original Secure Act moved it to 72 in 2020. Secure 2.0 extended the starting RMD age to 73 in 2023, and the RMD age will move up to age 75 starting in 2033.
Here’s what RMD-subject investors should have on their radars for 2026.
Before giving your kids money in retirement, ask these 3 questions to protect your nest egg and their financial future.
Your daughter needs money for a down payment on a new house. Your son needs a loan to wipe out high-interest debt. Another child wants cash to pursue a graduate degree. As parents, it’s entirely natural to want to step in and help. But if you’re already retired, you need to think twice before opening your wallet. After all, you don’t want to jeopardize your own financial security for the sake of theirs.
Oil prices tumbled on Monday after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a tentative peace deal to end the war in the Middle East.
The West Texas Intermediate contract for July delivery CL.1-5.64% CLN26-5.63% slid by more than 5% to $80.30 a barrel. That brings it down by a third since its intraday peak of $119.48 reached at the beginning of the second week of trading following the start of the conflict, according to Dow Jones Market Data. The August Brent crude contract BRN00-5.28% BRNQ26 -5.29% fell by 4.8% to $83 a barrel, down about 30% compared with its highest point during the year of $119.50.
Investors best know SpaceX as a rocket-launch company, but for now, satellite communications are what pays the bills. And going forward, Elon Musk sees its biggest market opportunity in a third area: artificial intelligence.
So what exactly are investors buying?
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 retirement resources—401(k), individual retirement account (IRA), brokerage account, cash and Social Security—can be counted on to reliably replace enough of your paycheck to keep your lifestyle intact for decades.
That percentage is called your income replacement ratio, and it tells a far clearer story than any single account balance can.
Retirement is no longer a singular life milestone with a clear finish line. It has become a dynamic stage shaped by policy shifts, investment innovation, demographic change, and evolving expectations about work and income. As we move through 2026, several retirement trends are gaining momentum and they may impact how people save, spend, and transition into later life.
Here are the most meaningful developments retirees and pre-retirees should keep on their radar. These trends carry implications for financial planning, lifestyle decisions, and long-term security.
They turn to financial-planning software, either through professional planners or via one of the few programs available to do-it-yourselfers with subscriptions, like Boldin or ProjectionLab. The Roth conversion calculators in these financial-planning programs are designed to model and quantify the analysis to tell you whether you will end up paying more tax now or more tax later.
Your greatest retirement risk may be something that’s unknowable: how long you will live.
Only 1 in 3 Americans can correctly identify how long a 65-year-old will typically live, according to new research from the TIAA Institute. That has real consequences, as workers who underestimate longevity tend to save less, plan less and risk running out of money in what could be a decades-long retirement, the research arm of financial-services company TIAA found.
The typical retirement lasts 18.6 years (1); however, like all long journeys, the first few steps are absolutely critical.
The first five years of your retirement can either set the course for a comfortable golden period or put you in an uncomfortable financial position that may be difficult to recover from. The good news is that with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can greatly reduce the risk of going off-course in the first phase of your retirement.
For retirees approaching or newly entering retirement, the first withdrawal from a retirement account often feels like a long-awaited milestone. After years of saving, it’s easy to assume that spending should now be straightforward. But financial advisors and tax professionals say that the first withdrawal decision often locks in patterns around income, taxes and lifestyle that are difficult to undo later.
Today’s blog is written by Chris Fasciano, chief market strategist at Commonwealth. He represents Commonwealth in various media appearances, advisor speaking events, and Commonwealth conferences. He also oversees and mentors a dynamic team of investment research analysts who specialize in equity and fixed income markets. Prior to this role, Chris spent 10 years as one of the firm’s portfolio managers, involved with asset allocation and fund selection. With a deep background in small- and mid-cap stock research, Chris is uniquely positioned to analyze the latest economic data and offer valuable insights on navigating today’s volatile markets. Chris Fasciano is a guest writer and is not affiliated with LPL Financial.
Early in my career, during a particularly challenging market environment, a mentor remarked that there are always opportunities — you simply have to look for them. That observation has remained a key tenet of my investment philosophy, particularly during periods of increased volatility.
Market sell-offs are disruptive and often heighten investor uncertainty. We have recently experienced one of those periods because of the ongoing war in the Middle East. Oil prices have surged and the S&P 500, at its March lows, has declined 9% from its all-time high set in February.
But improved market fundamentals might be creating some of those opportunities that tend to present themselves during periods like this one.
Expectations for the future path of the economy are a key driver of markets. Both higher and lower. Geopolitical risk has moved to the forefront of investors’ concerns and has become the key to that path. Prior to the beginning of this military action, news on the economy had some pluses and minuses. Economic growth remained positive. But there were certainly concerns about the future, with inflation remaining stubbornly elevated, and employment data coming in soft.
Investors became concerned that the economy would struggle to weather the impact from surging oil and gasoline prices. But Friday’s March employment data was a positive surprise with 178,000 jobs created, which was well above economist expectations. And there is reason to believe that the economy could accelerate after a weaker fourth quarter gross domestic product (GDP) print. Stimulus from last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act should begin to flow through the economy in combination with ongoing spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure. In my view, it is likely that the Middle East war will not push the U.S. economy into a full-blown recession.
While geopolitical risk dominates near-term headlines, valuation dynamics beneath the surface are telling a more constructive story.
Many savers look upon retirement with anxiety, wondering whether the nest eggs they worked so hard to amass will be sufficient to last through their golden years. Assessing all of the variables that could affect that savings can seem overwhelming.
That is where good financial advisors come in. Although there are few guarantees in life, advisors can help clients financial craft plans that account for all sorts of developments—healthcare expenses, market downturns, supporting adult children, disability, or the need to assist elderly parents—and stack the odds in clients’ favor.
Since the U.S. and Israel began strikes against Iran, oil prices have gone up. Stock markets have gone in the opposite direction, driven by uncertainty about the war’s future and its effects on the economy.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down around 9% since its February high, which it hit about two weeks before the war began. That’s far from a crash or being considered a bear market, which typically describes a market that’s fallen 20% from recent highs. But the market decline has pulled down the value of Americans’ investments, from college to retirement plans.
What should you do if that makes you feel as jittery as the markets? Financial advisers say it depends on when you need to tap into your funds.
LPL Financial has announced that Jason Zamora has been inducted into the exclusive Masters 2026 class, an accolade reserved for fewer than 4% of the firm’s financial advisors nationwide.
As Americans prepare to file their taxes ahead of the April 15 deadline, a fresh set of federal tax changes is beginning to shape how much many households owe—or get back.
The updates, introduced under last summer’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act legislation, apply to income earned in 2025 and are already resulting in larger refunds than usual.
After enjoying exceptional tax-deferred growth over the past decade, many retirees now view their individual retirement accounts as tax time bombs. Bloated retirement assets are, of course, a good problem to have. But the tax treatment of IRAs can take a toll.
Taxpayers in the United States are receiving larger refunds this filing season, according to the latest figures released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
New data shows the average refund has increased by more than 10 percent compared with the same point last year, reflecting a combination of recent tax changes and the timing of certain credits being paid out.
The conflict in Iran is raising the “wall of worry” for the stock market, adding another concern for Americans already stressed about the impacts of artificial intelligence, job security and tariff policy.
Oil and gas prices surged early on Monday, as did gold. The S&P 500 SPX-0.70% fell more than 1% when the market opened, then recovered, ending the day in positive territory. By Tuesday morning, S&P 500 futures were down again as concerns about a war weighed on sentiment.
What feels like endless instability to many people has eroded sentiment. Consumer confidence, which fell at the start of 2026, remains “well below the four-year peak achieved in November 2024,” according to the Conference Board.
Financial advisers told MarketWatch that people may be wondering how to best manage their money amid the uncertainty, and for many consumers, the answer is to stick with their long-term plans, and not do anything drastic.
“Do not let geopolitical fear derail sound portfolio or household decisions,” said Jon Ulin, a financial planner at Ulin & Co. Wealth Management, noting “uncertainty is not a reason to freeze life” or “push you into aggressive spending” that you cannot afford.
Some see potential opportunities. “I’m holding some dry powder to try to buy at the bottom if there is an opportunity,” said Josh Kinser, an individual investor in Texas. He said while he isn’t changing his long-term strategies, “I’m mainly looking to see if just overall sentiment and fear causes some drops or sales in companies I believe in to add to some longer-term strategies.”
Even as people broadly let their existing financial strategies play out, planners said there may be opportunities for those keeping a close eye on markets to optimize for short-term volatility.
Robert Jeter, a financial planner and founder of Back Bay Financial Planning & Investments, said while he generally recommends waiting until the end of the year when your tax situation is more certain to do Roth conversions (paying the taxes to transfer funds from a traditional account to a Roth account, where they can grow tax-free), it’s also true that “converting when the market is down allows you to move more shares to the Roth at the same tax costs.”
The markets rebounded by late Monday, but, for instance, were they to drop 20%, he said, “I’d go ahead and execute at least 80% of the planned amount to get the shares moved over to your Roth. The additional shares moved in a big enough correction might be enough to cover your tax cost.” (The stock market has been trading at high levels recently and is far from a 20% decline.)
Scott Bishop, a financial planner with Presidio Wealth Partners, said that for years he has suggested people with stable income keep six months of fixed expenses in an easily accessible account for emergencies, and for people whose jobs are not stable to keep 12 months’ worth. If, on top of these reserves, “you have cash on the sidelines, you may want to consider this a ‘buy the dip’ opportunity to add to your portfolio,” if the market falls, he said.
“I always tell people to have a plan on what to do before a market sell-off event” so they are “executing a plan, not reacting,” Bishop added. One “smart way” to do this would be to use “new cash to rebalance your portfolio more aligned with your target allocation.”
If you want to take a bit more risk, “now could be a good time to start a position” in areas you see opportunities that have sold off — for instance some of the “Magnificent Seven” stocks MAGS-0.38%, or bitcoin BTCUSD-1.02%. On the other hand, if volatility is keeping you up at night, “You can also rebalance to be a little more defensive — but do not go to cash,” Bishop said. An analyst note from JPMorgan Chase
JPM+1.02% said the current conflict “should ultimately be an opportunity to add” if an investor has a time horizon longer than weeks. Gold GC00-3.40% — often seen as a safe asset — rose Monday following the strike on Iran, but “I don’t use safety and investing in the same sentence,” said Larry Luxenberg, a financial planner and founder of Lexington Avenue Capital Management. All investments come with “varying degrees of risk,” and “I’ll go with a diversified stock portfolio almost all the time despite the risks of a big downturn at any time,” he said.
Rather than making “narrow bets,” said Ulin, “The recent attack on Iran should be a wake-up call to open your statements, see how your portfolio has performed year to date and make any needed adjustments.”
“When geopolitical tensions spike, some risk-averse investors feel a reflex to act immediately,” even on purchases that might be unaffordable or speculative investments, said Ulin.
However, “a pause makes sense when the decision leans on leverage, timing, or fragile assumptions.” Some examples: Stretching for a higher home price based on quick appreciation, using a large adjustable mortgage to fund renovations, buying a vacation or rental property, or financing extra vehicles that strain cash flow.
On the other hand, a household that has already saved for a home purchase or a new car is not speculating. “If income is stable, reserves are solid, and the purchase fits your budget, global tensions alone are rarely a reason to stop,” he said. “Uncertainty is not a reason to freeze life.”
When it comes to retirement planning, deciding when to collect Social Security is often a significant decision.
Collecting early, at age 62, can help ensure you have a steady stream of paychecks for a longer period. However, waiting at least until your full retirement age, which is age 67 for those born in 1960 or later, can boost your monthly benefits significantly—although it means receiving benefits for a shorter duration.
In my 30-plus years of experience publishing news and analysis about finances and economic policy, I’ve seen a number of changes to federal retirement programs that affect people’s lives.
Each year, it’s important to understand any new program modifications. These include changes to Social Security and Medicare, as well as 401(k) plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
As we approach the final week of February, let’s focus on changes to Social Security benefits that people are now seeing and that are impacting their retirement plans.
We examine two risks for retirement spending: unanticipated early retirement and big long-term care outlays at the end of life.
Uncertain market performance—specifically, big losses early in retirement—tends to dominate the conversation about risks that can imperil a retirement plan. And for good reason: We found in our 2025 retirement spending research that hypothetical retirees whose portfolios incurred losses in the first five years of retirement were much more likely to run out of money over a 30-year horizon than retirees who enjoyed better returns early on, assuming the same spending patterns for both sets of retirees.
Tax season isn’t just about paying the IRS — it’s a time to look out for your nest egg. Choices you make on your 2025 tax return can impact your 2026 finances.
For most, paying for college will involve some sort of financial aid. While there is plenty of information out there, making sense of it all can be intimidating. Understanding the financial implications of any aid you are offered, as well as the student’s obligations, is part of the higher education experience. Here’s a handy glossary of terms to help clarify the various elements of the process.
Older Americans can expect some important tax changes in 2026, largely due to provisions in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). One of the biggest changes is a new tax deduction that specifically targets seniors.
Whether you’re a retired senior or still working, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the changes and how they might affect your Social Security and retirement planning this year.
Here are some financial and lifestyle resolutions to begin your golden years on the right foot.
Retirement can be a stressful experience: It’s so much more than just stepping back from the grind of work.
Instead, retirement is also about ensuring a stable financial life and creating the right lifestyle. If you are planning for a retirement that will begin in 2026, here are some important resolutions you should make.
Make 2026 the year you stop coasting and start supercharging your retirement savings.
As the calendar flips to 2026, there’s no better time to supercharge your retirement savings. With the welcome increases to contribution limits — $24,500 for 401(k)s, 403(b)s and similar plans, and $7,500 for traditional and Roth IRAs — you now have more room than ever to build a hearty nest egg. Together with catch-up contributions for those 50 and older and super catch-ups for those 60-63, you’ve got a prime opportunity toward a secure, comfortable retirement.
Whether you’re just starting out or closing in on your golden years, making 2026 your breakthrough year starts with taking proactive steps right from the start.
Americans will be able to save more for retirement in 2026, and the changes go well beyond a routine cost-of-living adjustment. New IRS contribution limits, combined with a major shift in the rules for catch-up contributions, create fresh opportunities for long-term savers while also introducing new planning challenges.
For employees in their peak earning years, especially those in their early 60s, these changes could meaningfully shape how retirement savings look. Here’s what’s new, why it matters, and how to prepare.
Changing tax rules and falling interest rates mean financial planning is more important than ever as 2025 ends. There’s still time to make these five key moves.
As the year winds down, many people meet with their advisers to revisit taxes, estate plans and retirement accounts. This is a familiar routine, but 2025 is not an ordinary year.
Several tax provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) become effective in 2026, and those changes will alter your approach to charitable giving, gifting to loved ones or friends and retirement planning.
At the same time, interest rates have begun to drift lower, which opens doors for planning opportunities that were less attractive in recent years.
In other words: This year, timing matters more than ever. Here are five areas to review before December 31.
After consternation about whether the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates for a third time this year, the consensus is that the central bank will likely go ahead with a 25 basis point cut on Wednesday — even if it’s a split decision.
“This is a hard call,” said Alan Blinder, former vice chair of the Fed and economics professor at Princeton. “[But] I do think it’s more likely they cut than not… It wouldn’t surprise me if this is a ‘hawkish cut.'”
If you’re looking back on your expenditures from this year and wondering where you went wrong, you’re not alone. This may be especially true if you’re a new retiree. It can be hard to budget correctly for a lifestyle you haven’t led before.
Here’s what financial experts say cost retirees too much money and how to allocate money better in 2026.
Workers will be able to put up to $24,500 into their 401(k)s and similar workplace retirement accounts in 2026, up $1,000 from this year, the Internal Revenue Service said Thursday.
The accounts are the main way Americans save for retirement, and the limits on annual contributions are raised every year to adjust for inflation. Around 70% of private-sector employees in the U.S. now have access to a 401(k)-style retirement plan, though just a fraction of those max out their contributions each year.
It’s not unprecedented for the stock market to drop after hitting a new all-time high — as it has done since last Wednesday, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA-1.24% hit 48,254.82. It closed Monday of this week at 46,590.24, more than 1,600 points lower.
It’s a sign of Wall Street’s irrational exuberance that many think it’s even worth mentioning that the market doesn’t always respond to a new high by rising even more.
Don’t let any of these slip by without taking action.
The end of the year is often hectic as we juggle vacation schedules, holiday gatherings, and new financial strains. The beginning of a new year isn’t always a lot better. You’re trying to recover from the holidays and maybe work toward a New Year’s resolution.
Amid all that, it’s easy to let other things, like retirement healthcare and financial moves, fall through the cracks. A simple way to prevent this is to write down important deadlines in a place where you won’t forget them. Here are five worth remembering over the next few months.
A few practical steps today can make your future more secure – and less stressful.
Many of us have saved for years, or even decades, to ensure a retirement where we can live comfortably into our golden years.
But is financial preparation alone enough?
Experts suggest there is more to a fulfilling retirement than a healthy bank account and that it pays to begin preparing well before the actual time arrives. If you have an idea now of what you want out of retirement, it could help you develop a more realistic plan for the future. And experts contend retirement is more personal than some general advice makes it seem.
Parents will do anything for their kids, but that could be coming at a huge cost ‒ to themselves, according to a new study.
More than a third (36%) of the 3,000 parents surveyed by Ameriprise in January worry that supporting their adult children may derail their retirement plan, yet they continue to lend their kids a hand. More than 6 out of 10 (63%) parents pay ongoing expenses like living costs and phone bills for their adult children, and 76% have either paid or plan to pay for major one-time expenses like a wedding or down payment on a home, the survey showed.
“It’s admirable, for sure, but underscores the need for parents to be planful for their own financial future,” said Deana Healy, vice president of financial planning and advice at Ameriprise. “First and foremost, it is about being intentional – what you need for your own retirement and goals, then what can I afford and what do I want to afford” to help the children.
Retirees and other beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent monthly bump in their Social Security benefits next year to reflect inflation.
The Social Security Administration announced the annual cost-of-living adjustment on Friday after the government shutdown delayed the release of September inflation data for the broader economy. The adjustment, known as the COLA, will be added in January to the benefits of 75 million Americans, a group that includes retirees and their spouses and survivors, as well as those who receive disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income.
In most years, Social Security retirees receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and that’s likely to happen in 2026. COLAs are critical because without them, benefits would remain unchanged while the price of goods and services increase over time. Retirees would be left with far less buying power, and many would struggle to make ends meet since Social Security is an important income source for seniors.
COLAs aren’t the same from one year to the next, though. While the 2026 COLA hasn’t been announced, there are good estimates of what it’s going to be. Based on the existing data, it looks like the amount of the benefits increase is going to be different from the raise retirees got in 2025.
Here’s what next year’s COLA is likely to be, compared with the benefits bump you got in 2025.
TradingKey – If the U.S. government experiences a shutdown, it could lead the Federal Reserve to stick with its current pace of interest rate cuts, or even accelerate them if the shutdown lasts longer and causes deeper economic disruptions. With a U.S. recession highly unlikely, these rate cuts are seen as preventive, a type that historically has driven U.S. stock market gains. Thus, supported by easing monetary policy, economic challenges stemming from a shutdown are likely to translate into positive outcomes for stocks, turning bad news for the economy into good news for the market.
To the average investor, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds may not seem very different.
After all, they are both relatively liquid baskets of stocks, bonds and other assets overseen by professional money managers, and can help investors diversify their portfolios.
But there are some key differences that may make one a better financial choice than the other for certain investors, according to experts.
It’s official. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that could transform your 401(k) investment options.
For the first time, complex choices such as private equity, real estate, expanded annuities and even cryptocurrency may be added to your plan’s menu.
These aren’t the plain-vanilla mutual funds and index funds to which most of us are accustomed. They’re bigger, flashier and at least on paper, full of promise.
But promise is one thing; reality is another. These products are generally more complicated, less flexible and often more expensive to own.
The executive order doesn’t require your employer to offer them. But if they do, you’ll need to be ready to navigate a very different and potentially riskier set of choices.
Roth 401(k) or Roth individual retirement account contributions can be a powerful way to build wealth for your golden years.
There’s no upfront deduction for deposits with either, but the investment grows tax-free, which means you won’t owe taxes on withdrawals in retirement. Plus, there are no required withdrawals for the original account owner.
But when comparing Roth 401(k) versus Roth IRA contributions, there are pros and cons to consider, experts say.
“It’s power versus freedom,” While you can defer more into your Roth 401(k), there could be more flexibility with your Roth IRA account, Whitledge said.
“The mistake is thinking it’s one or the other,” because you can contribute to both accounts, he said. Still, there are key differences between Roth 401(k) and Roth IRA accounts, experts say. Here’s what to know.
Social Security has been making headlines for some time, primarily due to longevity concerns.
Currently, more than 70 million Americans rely on this program to make ends meet, yet the most recent predictions estimate the Social Security trust fund that pays retiree benefits will be depleted by 2033.
As the program enters its 90th year, it’s important to understand how we got here, what’s currently happening and how this could impact future recipients.
One of the most pressing questions individuals face is: How much money will I need to maintain a comfortable lifestyle once I stop working? To answer that question, you have to understand the average monthly expenses of retired individuals and evaluate whether your savings will be enough.
Generally speaking, on average, you’ll need around $5,000 per month after retirement.
Retirees might dream of selling their home, downsizing to a smaller one, and investing the extra cash for income, but the profit they pocket is often less than what they hoped for.
When you retire, you may hear a lot about downsizing — trading in your large house for something more compact. It’s often pitched as the best move for retirees, but it’s not for everyone, and you may not have the cash or the desire to go smaller. The idea may have even crossed your mind, but there are some myths and misconceptions about downsizing — especially how it may affect your finances or change your lifestyle. If it feels like the right fit for you, though, downsizing can be a practical way to ease into retirement.
But before packing up your belongings, avoid falling for false narratives, such as that selling will provide a significant financial gain or that your living expenses will be greatly reduced by downsizing. Instead, approach your retirement planning with a clear understanding of reality and steer clear of these 5 myths.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law by President Donald Trump over the July 4, 2025, weekend, is a sweeping multitrillion-dollar package that blends tax cuts with significant spending reductions and changes to the social safety net.
For retirees, the new law brings both opportunities and uncertainties—from temporary tax relief on Social Security benefits to potential changes in required retirement distributions. While some provisions offer immediate benefits, others create planning challenges that could affect retirement strategies for years to come. Below are seven crucial takeaways for retirees.
For retired Social Security benefits recipients, checks could increase by an estimated $51 in January, rising from $1,968 to $2,019.
Every October, the Social Security Administration reveals its annual cost-of-living adjustment, also known as COLA, based on inflation data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some experts predict the COLA for the following year before it is officially announced, including the Senior Citizens League, which estimates that Social Security beneficiaries may receive a 2.6% increase in their payments beginning in January 2026.
As Americans look ahead to benefit increases in 2026, it can be helpful to understand:
LPL Research recently unveiled Midyear Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism, Measured Expectations, their semi-annual report that recaps where markets and the economy have been over the first half of 2025 and where they may be going over the remainder of the year. I’m pleased to bring you a few of the key highlights today.
If “tariff” isn’t the word of the year, then perhaps it’s “uncertainty” or even “volatility.” Much of this year’s market turbulence has stemmed from the assumption that President Trump’s second-term policies would closely resemble those of his first. As it became clear that this would not be the case, markets were forced to recalibrate.
We’re proud to share that Jason Zamora, CRPC® and President of Live Oak Investors- Private Wealth Management has been recognized as one of LPL’s Top Financial Advisors—a distinguished honor that reflects his commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to helping clients reach their financial goals.
As a member of the 2025 LPL Masters Class, Jason will join fellow top-performing advisors this weekend in Phoenix, Arizona, where he will engage in advanced training, collaboration, and strategic planning to further enhance the value they deliver to their clients.
At Live Oak Investors, we’re committed to providing personalized financial guidance and sophisticated investment strategies tailored to your unique needs. You can count on Jason and our entire team to help secure your financial future and protect what matters most.
#LPLTopAdvisor #FinancialExcellence #InvestmentStrategies #ClientFocused #LiveOakInvestors
Boerne, Texas— April 11, 2025 – Jason Zamora, CRPC®, an independent LPL Financial advisor in Boerne, Tx, has been recognized in this year’s list of the Forbes/SHOOK Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for his track record of success in the financial services industry. Zamora, President and Founder of Live Oak Investors – Private Wealth Management was recognized as of the Top 100 advisors in Texas for 2025!
The annual list is compiled by Forbes with insights from SHOOK Research. Advisors are selected based on quantitative and qualitative data, and are assessed on a variety of criteria, including interviews, years of experience, compliance records and assets under management*.
“We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jason for the well-deserved recognition from Forbes, on behalf of the entire team at LPL,” exclaimed Julian Lopez, LPL’s executive vice president of Independent Advisor Services Relationship Management. “This award showcases his dedicated efforts in guiding his clients towards financial success, especially during times of economic uncertainty and global challenges. LPL remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting ambitious advisors like Jason, equipping them with cutting-edge investment solutions, advanced technology platforms, and extensive resources to provide unparalleled service and experiences for their clients.”
Jason has 27 years of experience in the financial services industry and provides a full range of financial services for individuals, families and business owners; including retirement and financial planning, individual money management, individual stocks and bonds, alternative investments, mutual funds, annuities and more.
Zamora is a Wealth Manager affiliated with LPL Financial, a leading wealth management firm that supports financial advisors—whether they work as independent business owners, with an RIA firm or in a financial institution—so they take care of their clients and run a thriving business.
About LPL Financial
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that LPL should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving more than 22,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,100 institutions and at approximately 570 registered investment advisor firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional.
At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business their way. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients.
Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States.
*The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.
Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.
LPL Financial, Forbes, SHOOK Research and Live Oak Investors are all separate entities.
This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither LPL Financial nor the advisors pay a fee to Forbes in exchange for inclusion in the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list.
We are so excited to share some great news from our Private Wealth Management team. We’re pleased to welcome Stephanie Styers as our new Client Services Manager and Director of Marketing.
Stephanie brings with her extensive experience in client service management and a deep commitment to delivering exceptional support. Her expertise and client-first approach will be a valuable asset to both our team and to you.
In her role, Stephanie will be your primary point of contact for all aspects of your personalized client experience. She’ll be working closely with Sylvia to ensure your needs are met with the highest level of care and efficiency.
Stephanie is a proud mother of one and has called Boerne home for the past seven years. With a deep passion for fitness and the outdoors, she finds joy in staying active and embracing nature. Beyond her personal interests, she is dedicated to making a difference in her community. She volunteers with *Blessings in a Backpack*, helps with fundraising efforts for her son’s school board, and organizes neighborhood events that bring people together. Her commitment to strengthening connections and supporting local causes makes her a valued and active member of the Boerne community.
Please join me in giving Stephanie a warm welcome. She’s eager to get to know you and continue building on the strong relationship we’ve established.
If you have any immediate questions or would like to schedule a brief introductory call with Stephanie, feel free to reach out to her directly at (830) 331-1113.
Over 1,700 older Americans and counting shared their financial and other regrets with BI.
M any had regrets about retiring too early, taking Social Security prematurely, and draining savings.
This is part of an ongoing series about older Americans’ regrets.
No one ever wants to look back in regret. But for many retirees, that’s the reality.
Not to be a downer at this fresh start time of year, but it’s useful to hear retirees’ regrets — especially if you’re closing in on retirement yourself.
“Despite improvements in savings habits and financial engagement, many retirees regret some of the decisions they made earlier in life when preparing for retirement,” Suzanne Ricklin, vice president of retirement solutions at Nationwide Financial, told Yahoo Finance. “More than 8 in 10 workers over 45 regret not taking retirement saving more seriously when they were younger.”
Here are five of retirees’ biggest regrets:
Many investors wonder: do I need a financial advisor, or should I do it myself? Figuring out if you should hire a financial advisor or manage your own investments is a big decision. And make no mistake: not everyone needs an ongoing relationship with a financial planner. Here are a few signs that you may need a financial advisor and how to find the right one.
George Wilson learned the hard way that there’s no such thing as a free lunch — or, in his case, a free dinner that cost him a chunk of his retirement savings.
As a retiree, he regularly received postcards in the mail, offering to teach him about finance and how to make money in retirement. They usually involved a presentation at a nice restaurant, and he would go without acting on any of the investment advice.
The era of 5% cash returns is ending early for some investors.
Before the Federal Reserve began cutting rates in September, banks offered certificates of deposit promising high yields for locking up cash years into the future. The highest-yielding ones, with returns in excess of 5%, had features allowing the bank to “call” them before they mature, handing back the cash and accrued interest.
Inheriting an individual retirement account can be a bittersweet experience. Although it’s a loving gesture from the deceased to help fortify your retirement, the machinations of an inherited IRA tend to be more complicated than the average recipient may realize. Once you’re able, sit down with a trusted financial professional who understands the rights and obligations that come with your new IRA.
Many steps are required to get ready to retire—saving enough money in the most tax-advantaged accounts, determining where you’ll live out your life, doing your estate and tax planning, and much, much more. But all of that only gets you to the finish line, where you leave the work world behind. Starting on day one of your retirement, it will hit you: Now you have to make sure you’re able to achieve and maintain your goals for the rest of your life.
What’s the secret to accomplishing that? Keeping your goals front and center, creating an action plan for achieving them, and reviewing that plan regularly throughout retirement can help you keep your finances on solid ground.
Unless you have accumulated substantial wealth where money is not a concern, you face a critical task when you reach retirement: making sure that your assets will support you through your lifetime. Read More
Thursday, June 13, 2024
“We are thrilled to welcome a new member to our wealth management team! Please join us in congratulating Will, our talented and enthusiastic new intern who is joining us to contribute to our mission of providing top-tier financial guidance and wealth management services. With a passion for finance and a drive to learn and grow, Will is poised to bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills to our team. We are excited to see the positive impact he will make as we work together towards our shared goals of helping our clients achieve financial success and security. Welcome aboard, Will!”
Thursday, June 13, 2024.
“We are delighted to announce the newest addition to our private wealth management team! Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Ryan Whaley, our experienced and dedicated new financial advisor who brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to personalized client service. With a proven track record of success at the New York Life Insurance Company and NYLIFE Securities in guiding clients towards their financial goals, Ryan is a valuable asset to our team. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to his contributions and years of experience as we continue to deliver exceptional wealth management solutions and support to our clients. Welcome, Ryan, we are excited to have you with us!”
Boerne, Texas— April 16, 2024 – Jason Zamora, CRPC®, an independent LPL Financial advisor in Boerne, Tx, has been recognized in this year’s list of the Forbes/SHOOK Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for his track record of success in the financial services industry. Zamora, President and Founder of Live Oak Investors – Private Wealth Management was recognized as the No.56 advisor in Texas.
The annual list is compiled by Forbes with insights from SHOOK Research. Advisors are selected based on quantitative and qualitative data, and are assessed on a variety of criteria, including interviews, years of experience, compliance records and assets under management*.
“We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jason for the well-deserved recognition from Forbes, on behalf of the entire team at LPL,” exclaimed Julian Lopez, LPL’s executive vice president of Independent Advisor Services Relationship Management. “This award showcases his dedicated efforts in guiding his clients towards financial success, especially during times of economic uncertainty and global challenges. LPL remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting ambitious advisors like Jason, equipping them with cutting-edge investment solutions, advanced technology platforms, and extensive resources to provide unparalleled service and experiences for their clients.”
Jason has 26 years of experience in the financial services industry and provides a full range of financial services for individuals, families and business owners; including retirement and financial planning, individual money management, individual stocks and bonds, alternative investments, mutual funds, annuities and more.
Zamora is a financial advisor affiliated with LPL Financial, a leading wealth management firm that supports financial advisors—whether they work as independent business owners, with an RIA firm or in a financial institution—so they take care of their clients and run a thriving business.
About LPL Financial
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that LPL should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving more than 22,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,100 institutions and at approximately 570 registered investment advisor firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional.
At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business their way. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients.
Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States.
*The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.
Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.
LPL Financial, Forbes, SHOOK Research and Live Oak Investors are all separate entities.
This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither LPL Financial nor the advisors pay a fee to Forbes in exchange for inclusion in the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list.
We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.
Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com
(402) 740-2047
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Behavioral Coaching
By: Kara George
Jason Zamora’s vision for Live Oak Investors was to create a private wealth management group providing customized and personalized financial services. A group based on the principles of trust and commitment to a successful financial future. A place where clients would feel at home with an advisor they could trust. Zamora has successfully created this atmosphere 25 years later by applying principles from his own childhood and hometown experiences.
After graduating from Incarnate Word Academy in 1994, Zamora left his hometown of Corpus Christi to pursue an education in finance. Attending St. Mary’s University, he majored in corporate finance with a minor in accounting. Directly upon graduation, he went to work for New York Life Insurance companies at the age of 22. After three years, Zamora became the youngest advisor to be promoted to partner with New York Life. Now responsible for recruiting and developing, Zamora began to miss the one-on-one interaction he previously had with his clients.
“If I was going to make it or break it in this business, I wanted to do it myself,” Zamora said. At the age of 28, he established Live Oak Investors and reconnected with his passion for financial planning.
His excitement for helping others with their financial futures stemmed from his youth experiences. “My mom was a single parent, and I knew there was a lot of luck involved with me having the lifestyle I did as a kid, Zamora said. “I wanted to take the luck out of someone being financially fit. When helping families with children, I don’t want them to be able to go to college by accident. I want it to be more calculated and planned out.”
Today, Zamora applies these beliefs to his business and expresses the importance of a plan to his clients, encouraging them to not base their financial future on luck alone.
Casper Wenzel, a retired IWA basketball coach, also played a key role in shaping Zamora’s business beliefs. Wenzel’s words of wisdom, “You don’t stay the same; you either get better or worse” still resonate with Zamora as he strives for growth, both personally and professionally, each day.
“You realize later on they are teaching you more about life rather than sports,” Zamora said of Wenzel. Taking these key principles he learned from his hometown heroes, Zamora has been able to help others and expand Live Oak Investors.
Recently, Zamora has been able to connect his present and his past with his true passion by expanding Live Oak Investors back to his hometown. About 90 percent of Zamora’s business is now based in the Hill Country and South Texas area.
“It’s ironic to have left Corpus, and now have found my way back,” Zamora said. Returning to his hometown, Zamora has built a strong connection with the retirement community, “The fact that I can help retirees with their retirement planning needs so close to home has been what I thrive on,” he said.
Zamora’s team at Live Oak Investors helps clients feel at home by building a trusting rapport and putting clients’ goals first. “Being the largest isn’t the most important thing to me; it’s about being recognized for exceptional client service,” Zamora said. “It’s not about getting attention; it’s about attention to detail.”
He believes as a fiduciary he should be readily accessible to clients when needed, whether it is for business or personal tasks. Zamora understands that many investors have anxiety when it comes to financial planning and retirement, which is why he believes delivering a customized plan and performance is key.
“When I look around and see my wife and children, it motivates me to do my best and perform in a way that will enable other families to solidify their future for those that they love so much!”
For more information on Live Oak Investors, visit www.liveoakinvestors.com or contact the team directly at 830-331-1113.
[Boerne, Texas July 21, 2023] – Revolution Wealth Management has joined Live Oak Investors – two respected financial advice firms serving the greater Texas market, are announcing the forming of a powerhouse partnership that will deliver exceptional wealth management and advisory services to clients across the state. The combined firms will operate under the name Live Oak Investors – Private Wealth Management.
With a shared commitment to providing comprehensive financial solutions and exceptional client experiences, Live Oak Investors and Revolution Wealth Management bring together their expertise, resources, and talented teams to create a leading force in the financial advisory industry. The merger is set to strengthen their market presence and enhance the range of services offered to their valued clients.
With over 150 years of experience combined, and a dedicated vision of managing generational wealth, Live Oak has further solidified their position as a trusted partner in the wealth management industry. Additionally, Live Oak Investors will proudly serve 1,300 households, providing tailored financial strategies to meet their unique needs and goals.
“We are excited to join forces with Revolution Wealth Management and embark on this new chapter together,” said Jason Zamora, Founder and President of Live Oak Investors. “By merging our firms, we can leverage our shared expertise and resources to offer an even higher level of service and value to our clients. Together, we will be better positioned to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape and provide innovative solutions to help our clients achieve their financial objectives and retire with confidence.”
The merger brings together a talented team of financial advisors, portfolio managers, and client service professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity. With a client-centric approach, Live Oak Investors will continue to deliver personalized financial advice, retirement planning, investment management, and estate planning services, among others, to individuals, families, and businesses throughout Texas.
“We believe that this merger will be highly beneficial to our clients,” said Holly Hagle, of Revolution Wealth Management. “By combining our expertise and resources, we will have the capacity to offer an expanded range of services, advanced technology platforms, and a deeper bench of experienced professionals. This positions us to better serve our clients’ evolving needs and helps them pursue their financial goals with confidence.”
For additional information or inquiries, please visit:
Or call:
Phone: 830-331-1113
Email: j.zamora@lpl.com
About Live Oak Investors:
Live Oak Investors – Private Wealth Mgmt is a leading financial advice firm serving the Texas Hill Country and the greater South Texas market. With a client-centric approach, Live Oak Investors offers comprehensive wealth management services, including financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, and more. By delivering personalized strategies and exceptional service, Live Oak Investors helps clients pursue their financial goals and build a secure future.
About Revolution Wealth Management:
Revolution Wealth Management is a prominent financial advisory firm with a strong presence in Texas. Committed to delivering exceptional client experiences, Revolution Wealth Management provides comprehensive wealth management services, retirement planning, investment management, and tailored financial strategies to individuals, families, and businesses.
Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC).
Retirement is a major goal many workers keep their eye on throughout their career.
However, once people actually reach retirement age, they are often in store for some financial surprises — despite decades of preparation.
Saving for retirement is one of those pursuits that can be hard to wrap your head around. After all, how many other life milestones require decades and decades to come to fruition? Since so much time and preparation goes into it, though, it’s extra important to take care that you’re avoiding the top retirement planning mistakes that financial planners see all the time.
When others were looking for the exits during Tuesday’s selloff, many retail investors saw an entrance to more future gains — but what were they stepping into?
Like many current and future retirees, we are eyeing our investment accounts daily, worrying how seriously the current market losses and global economic upheavals might erode the savings we’ve projected to see us through our remaining years.
We weathered the volatility of the 2007-09 recession, so we have had experience with a devastating market downturn turning into a robust market rebound. But that was a dozen years ago, when we felt we had enough time and employment income to help us recover any losses. Now, with our income reduced to payments from Social Security, a few pensions and returns on investments, we haven’t been feeling as confident.
When I called our adviser, I needed reassurance.
