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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

Reviewing finances with laptop.

Jul 21, 2024 by Christy Bieber

You Have Less Than 6 Months to Prepare for These 2025 Social Security Changes

Important changes are coming to Social Security in 2025. Here's what you need to know about how the program will be different next year.

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Jul 19, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Social Security's 2025 COLA Could Do Something This Generation Has Never Seen

For more than 30 years, this COLA phenomenon hasn't happened. But 2025 could be the year that changes.

retired couple

Jul 17, 2024 by Christy Bieber

3 Things You Must Know Before You Claim Social Security

Don't clam Social Security if you don't know your full retirement age, how much your benefit will be, and the tax rules for your benefits.

retired couple looking at financial paperwork

Jul 9, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Here's How Much Social Security Income the Typical Retiree Has Earned So Far in 2024

Many retirees will need a lot more, and they should have a good idea where it will come from.

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Jul 9, 2024 by Christy Bieber

This Is the Most Money Any Retiree Has Collected From Social Security So Far in 2024

The maximum benefit exists because there is a cap on the wages subject to Social Security tax.

Couple Looking at financial papers.

Jul 8, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Retirees Face a Lose-Lose Situation When It Comes to the 2025 COLA

The 2025 COLA will either be much smaller than it has been in recent years, or seniors will be coping with high inflation. Here's why neither situation is good for retirees.

Adults looking at financial paperwork.

Jul 8, 2024 by Christy Bieber

With 2024 Half Over, Retirees Need to Plan Now for a 2025 COLA Disappointment

Retirees are almost assuredly going to get a smaller COLA In 2025 compared with the last few years, and seniors should start preparing now for that reality.

retiree reviewing finances

Jul 8, 2024 by Christy Bieber

2024 Is Half Over. Here's What We Know About the 2025 Social Security COLA So Far

The COLA is determined by third-quarter inflation data, but numbers from the first part of the year provide some clues about the raise retirees will get next year.

Typing on Laptop

Jul 7, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Social Security Has Paid Some Retirees $29,238 So Far in 2024. Here's How to Get Such a Big Payout

The maximum-monthly Social Security benefit is $4,873 per month, so seniors earning the highest check possible have received $29,238 in the first half of the year.

Reviewing finances

Jun 26, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Social Security's Latest Trustees Report Has Some Good News and Bad News

Social Security's latest trustees report warns the trust fund is running out, but it's taking a little longer to do so.

Adults looking at financial paperwork.

Jun 25, 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. You may be surprised at just how little it offers you to live on.

reviewing financial documents

Jun 25, 2024 by Christy Bieber

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

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

Typing on Laptop

Jun 25, 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 on Social Security, which is a problem as seniors may be left without the money they need to cover costs.

Reviewing financial paperwork

Jun 24, 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 22, 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.

retiree reviewing finances

Jun 10, 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.

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May 30, 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 21, 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 20, 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 19, 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.

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