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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

retired couple looking at financial paperwork

Feb 18, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Social Security Replaces Less of Your Income Now Than It Did Before. Here's Why.

A change to the full retirement age has meant that many people make up less of their earnings with Social Security now.

using a calculator

Feb 18, 2024 by Christy Bieber

This Social Security Rule Isn't Changing Again in 2024 -- Even Though Retirees Would Be Better Off If It Did

The rules for when you're taxed on benefits aren't indexed to inflation -- and that's turning into a growing problem for retirees.

reviewing financial documents

Feb 18, 2024 by Christy Bieber

3 Social Security Facts Every Early Retiree Needs to Know

If you're thinking of leaving the workforce early, it's important to consider what could happen to Social Security if you claim benefits ahead of schedule.

Couple Looking at financial papers.

Feb 18, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Divorced? Here's How to Tell If You Qualify for Spousal Social Security Benefits

The end of your marriage doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up Social Security spousal benefits.

Adult looking at laptop unhappily.

Feb 18, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Want the Max $4,873 Social Security Monthly Benefit? 3 Things to Do Before Retirement.

Before retirement, you'll need to do a few things if you're hoping for the maximum Social Security benefit -- including making sure you have 35 years of maximum taxable earnings.

Taking a selfie on vacation

Jan 22, 2024 by Christy Bieber

3 Mistakes New Retirees Can't Afford to Make in 2024

You can't afford to live without a budget as a new retiree, and this is just one of several major mistakes to avoid.

Reviewing finances

Jan 22, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Here's How Much the Average Social Security Benefit Is Going Up in 2024

The average Social Security benefit is increasing due to the 2024 COLA -- but just how much higher is it going to be? Find out here.

Couple with financial advisor

Jan 21, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Turning 66 in 2024 and Planning to Claim Social Security? Why You May Want to Wait.

You will need to wait well beyond January to get your full retirement benefit if you're turning 66 this year thanks to a change in the full retirement age.

Adult looking at laptop unhappily.

Jan 21, 2024 by Christy Bieber

You Can Contribute More to Your 401(k) in 2024. Here's Why You May Not Want To.

A 401(k) can come with limited investment choices and high fees, so maxing out your contribution isn't always the way to go.

Person using calculator and reviewing documents

Jan 20, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Make These 4 Moves in 2024 to End Up a Millionaire by 2054

If you want to be a millionaire in 30 years, you'll need to invest regularly and buy the right assets.

Working and typing

Jan 20, 2024 by Christy Bieber

The No. 1 Reason to Claim Social Security at Age 62

Claiming Social Security at 62 could be the ticket to retiring and enjoying life.

Reviewing financial paperwork

Jan 19, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Maxing Out Your Retirement Accounts in 2024? Here's How Much You Could End Up With.

401(k) and IRA contribution limits have gone up, so how big could your retirement account balance grow if you max out these accounts?

retired couple

Jan 19, 2024 by Christy Bieber

How Much More Social Security Do the Richest Retirees Get Compared to the Average American?

The richest retirees get more Social Security than the average American but not as much as you'd think -- and their benefits may actually replace a smaller percentage of their income.

retired couple looking at financial paperwork

Jan 18, 2024 by Christy Bieber

How Does Your 2024 Social Security Raise Compare to the Average American's?

See how much extra the typical retiree got in 2024, and learn why your raise may be bigger or smaller than their benefits increase.

Person reviewing financial paperwork

Jan 18, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Here's How Much More the Average American Can Get by Waiting to Claim Social Security

Waiting to claim Social Security can result in a much higher average benefit due to delayed retirement credits -- but just how much higher?

Typing on Laptop

Jan 17, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Disappointed by Your Small Social Security Raise in 2024? Here's Why You Shouldn't Be

A small Social Security raise means inflation has cooled -- but the raise isn't that small by historical standards.

Adult writing with pen on table and sofa

Jan 17, 2024 by Christy Bieber

3 Things to Do Now to Help Get the Maximum Possible Social Security Benefit Later

If you want to maximize your future Social Security benefits, you should earn as much money as you can and consider carefully what retirement account to use.

Adult couple working in finances with receipt

Jan 16, 2024 by Christy Bieber

Want the Max $4,873 Social Security Monthly Benefit? 3 Things to Do Before Retirement

Getting the max Social Security benefit isn't easy, but it's doable if you make a lot of money and have a plan to delay Social Security benefits until age 70.

Reviewing financial paperwork

Dec 26, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Will Delaying Your Social Security Benefits Claim Pay Off for You? Here's How to Find Out

A delayed Social Security claim can pay off, but only if you live long enough to break even for all the money you didn't collect.

Adult couple working in finances with receipt

Dec 25, 2023 by Christy Bieber

Will More People Be Taxed on Social Security Next Year?

The threshold at which Social Security benefits are taxed doesn't change automatically despite inflation, so more retirees will be taxed on their benefits in 2024 and beyond.

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