Early estimates point to a lower amount

Carl Smith | Fstop | Getty Images Social Security benefits are typically adjusted every year to keep up with rising prices. Social Security beneficiaries saw record-high COLAs in 2022 and 2023, when the annual increases climbed to 5.9% and 8.7%, respectively. Yet as the pace of inflation subsided, the size of the annual COLA increase…

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January Social Security checks: 2026 benefits rise 2.8%

Ascent/ Pks Media Inc. | Photodisc | Getty Images Many Social Security beneficiaries will soon receive their first benefit checks for 2026. Jan. 14 marks the earliest date beneficiaries can receive January payments, depending on the Social Security Administration’s schedule based on date of birth. Those checks will include a 2.8% benefit boost, thanks to…

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How much retirees may save in 2026

Catherine Delahaye | Digitalvision | Getty Images The first 10 drugs subject to new Medicare price negotiations will go into effect on Jan. 1, prompting substantial out-of-pocket savings for certain older Americans who rely on those medications. Enrollees in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may see their out-of-pocket costs for the negotiated drugs fall…

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