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Christy Bieber

TMFChristyB

Former college teacher. Textbook contributor. Personal finance writer. Passionate advocate of smart money moves to achieve financial success.

Recent Articles by Christy Bieber

Adults looking at financial paperwork.

Jun 23, 2024 by Christy Bieber

You'll Never Guess the Average Social Security Benefit at 62, 67, and 70

The average Social Security benefit goes up with age, but it's still pretty low. So you may be surprised at just how little it offers you to live on.

Typing on Laptop

Jun 21, 2024 by Christy Bieber

The Latest COLA News Could Be a Big Disappointment to Retirees

Cooling inflation could mean a smaller benefits increase for retirees, which is a problem as seniors may be left without the money they need to cover costs.

Reviewing financial paperwork

Jun 21, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Want the Max $4,873 Social Security Benefit? Here's the Salary You Need

Your earnings must equal or exceed the wage base limit for 35 years of your career to max out your Social Security benefits.

retiree reviewing finances

Jun 21, 2024 by Christy Bieber

The Unfortunate Truth About Maxing Out Your 401(k)

Maxing out your 401(k) may not actually be the best option, even if you have the money to do it. Here's why you should consider some other retirement plans.

reviewing financial documents

Jun 21, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Don't Be Surprised by These 3 Social Security Changes Coming in 2025

There will be important Social Security changes in 2025 that affect current retirees and workers who won't get benefits for a while. Here's what's coming.

retiree reviewing finances

Jun 7, 2024 by Christy Bieber

What All Retirees Need to Know About Social Security in 2024

If you're a retiree, there are a few key things you need to know about Social Security this year.

Reviewing finances

May 29, 2024 by Christy Bieber

90% of My Money Is In This S&P 500 Fund. Here's Why

I love the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust because it's got low fees, performs well, and exposes me to minimal risk.

reviewing financial documents

May 15, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Social Security Recipients Who Retired During the Pandemic Era Face a COLA Shock Next Year. Here's Why.

Retirees who retired in the pandemic era have only seen big COLAs, so next year's raise could be a lot smaller than they are used to.

reviewing financial documents

May 15, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Future Retirees Are at Big Risk of a Future Social Security Benefits Cut Right Now. It's Not for the Reason You Think.

Many people think benefit cuts are going to happen when Social Security's trust fund runs dry. But there's actually another more likely reason many retirees will get less money than anticipated.

Adults looking at financial paperwork.

May 15, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Only Relying on Social Security in Retirement? Why It's Time to Reconsider, and Try This Instead.

If you're planning to rely solely on Social Security in retirement, you're going to have a rough time. There's a better option than trying to survive on benefits alone.

Adult looking at laptop unhappily.

May 15, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Troubling News From Social Security's Trustees Means a Big COLA Problem Probably Won't Be Fixed Anytime Soon

Social Security's COLA isn't keeping pace with inflation. But with the trust fund already in danger of running out of money in 2035, a fix to the COLA problem most likely isn't coming.

Reviewing finances

May 15, 2024 by Christy Bieber

3 Reasons Not to Panic About Social Security Running Out of Money, Even Though Trustees Say It Will Happen

The most recent Social Security Trustees Report indicates that the trust fund could run short in 2035 and necessitate a cut to benefits. But retirees shouldn't panic over this, as benefits will keep being paid and Congress is unlikely to allow a cut to happen.

Typing on Laptop

May 15, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Are Retirees Ready for a 21% Cut to Social Security Benefits? Here's Exactly When It Could Happen.

Social Security benefits may not continue at their present level. Learn when and why a cut could happen and what it means for seniors.

Taking a selfie on vacation

May 15, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Social Security Retirees Just Got Some Good News About Future Benefit Cuts

Social Security's latest Trustee Report shows benefit cuts could be smaller and could happen later than anticipated. Learn more here.

retired couple looking at financial paperwork

May 8, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Are Retirees on Track for a Pleasant Surprise When It Comes to Their 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment? The Answer May Not Be What You Think

Retirees may be surprised at how big their cost-of-living adjustment is. But is a larger-than-anticipated benefits increase really a good thing?

Couple with financial advisor

May 9, 2024 by Christy Bieber

3 Things Retirees Need to Know Today About Their 2025 Social Security COLA

Retirees are on track for a solid raise in 2025.

Typing on Laptop

May 7, 2024 by Christy Bieber

After the 2025 COLA Takes Effect, Here's How Much the Average Benefit Could Go Up at 62, 67, and 70

The Social Security COLA is projected to be 2.6% for 2025. See how this could change the average Social Security benefit.

Reviewing financial paperwork

May 7, 2024 by Christy Bieber

The 2025 COLA Could Be 86% Higher Than Original Estimates. Here's What That Means for You.

Original estimates for the Social Security COLA were 1.4%, but now they're up to 2.6%. Here's the reason for the big increase.

retired couple looking at financial paperwork

Apr 24, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Dave Ramsey's Risky Plan For Social Security Is Unrealistic for Most Retirees. Here's Why

Dave Ramsey says you can take Social Security at 62 if you invest all of it. But most people can't do this, and many who can probably shouldn't.

Couple looking at computer together

Apr 24, 2024 by Christy Bieber

50% of Retirees Face Losses Averaging Over $3,000 Because of This Problematic Social Security Rule

Retirees are losing thousands because of laws passed in 1983 and 1993. Here's why.

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