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Kailey Hagen

TMFKailey

Kailey Hagen, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool retirement analyst covering Social Security, Medicare, and retirement planning. Before The Motley Fool, Kailey was a research analyst for Reviews.com focusing on credit and banking products. She is a Certified Financial Planner® and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Recent Articles by Kailey Hagen

Senior holding check and talking on phone

Sep 15, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

This Social Security Option Is Going Away on Sept. 30

What was once the standard will soon become a thing of the past.

Couple looking at documents together in kitchen

Sep 13, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Got a Spouse and Kids? Don't Sign Up for Social Security Without Doing These 2 Things First

Your Social Security decisions may affect more than just you.

Smiling people holding documents and smartphone looking at each other

Sep 12, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

4 401(k) Optimization Strategies to Maximize Your Retirement Savings' Growth

You have to do more than just throw money into your 401(k) if you want to grow your savings as quickly as possible.

Excited person looking at document

Sep 12, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Want to Tap Your 401(k) Before Age 59½? Know These 10 Exceptions First.

If any of these scenarios apply, you could save quite a bit in taxes.

Laughing couple sitting outside holding hands

Sep 12, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

If Your Social Security Checks Are Bigger Than This, You'll Get an Above-Average COLA in 2026

That long-awaited benefit boost is just a few months away.

403b-reitrement-plans-infographic

Sep 10, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

403(b) Retirement Plans for Teachers & Non-Profit Employees

Retirement savings

Sep 10, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

401(a) vs. 401(k)

These two retirement accounts are similar, but you'll likely have access to only one or the other.

solo-401k-infographic

Sep 9, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Solo 401(k) Plans for the Self-Employed in 2025

Older couple looking at documents.

Sep 9, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Understanding 401(k) Tax Rules for 2025

Understanding these guidelines can keep you out of trouble with the IRS.

Three eggs in a basket made of dollar bills with 401(k) written on one of the eggs.

Sep 9, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

401(k) Rules for Highly Compensated Employees

Give this a read if you earn six figures.

Woman sitting at table with computer and paying bills

Sep 9, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Choosing the Best Retirement Plan for You

Confused man staring at blackboard filled with equations

Sep 9, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Should You Make After-Tax Contributions to Your 401(k)?

After-tax 401(k) contributions are a wise choice for some people.

older couple bills personal finance investing

Sep 9, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Roth IRA Withdrawal

What to know before taking money out of your Roth IRA.

Relaxed person with book on lap sitting in field

Sep 9, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

41 States That Don't Tax Social Security Benefits

Living in one of these states could give you one less thing to worry about in retirement.

Worried person looking at phone

Sep 8, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Don't Withdraw From Your IRA Before Age 59 1/2 -- Here's Why

It might not seem like a big deal, but you'll pay for it in more ways than one.

Smiling couple eating ice cream cones

Sep 7, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Do You Qualify for Spousal Social Security Benefits?

Understanding this could give you a big leg up when planning your retirement budget.

vacation older couple travel boat mountains

Sep 7, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Want the Max $5,108 Social Security Benefit? Here's the Salary You Need.

If you can pull this off, retirement could look a lot more comfortable.

Relaxed person sitting on couch with hands behind head

Sep 7, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Looking to Build Wealth Without Lifting a Finger? Your 401(k) Match Can Do the Work.

It's not too late to claim your match before 2025 ends.

Smiling friends clinking glasses

Sep 6, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

Senior Citizens League 2026 Social Security COLA Projection Climbs for Fifth Month to 2.7%

Benefits could get a bigger boost than previously expected next year.

People near a healthcare facility.

Sep 5, 2025 by Kailey Hagen

How to Save on Healthcare in Retirement

Are you prepared for this huge retirement expense?

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