Retirement & Taxes
Long-term financial planning, retirement accounts, government benefits, tax law, and IRS rules. Covers the intersection of policy and personal finance that affects how people save, invest, and plan ahead.
Latest in Retirement & Taxes
Got an IRS notice in the mail: what it means and when you should actually worry
Few pieces of mail make people more nervous than an envelope from the IRS. For many taxpayers, the first instinct is to assume the worst....
The red flags most likely to get you audited by the IRS in 2026
The IRS releases an annual warning about tax schemes and compliance risks, but the agency’s broader enforcement guidance reveals something equally important for ordinary filers....
2026 tax brackets: the new standard deduction is $32,200 for married couples filing jointly
The IRS has finalized the inflation-adjusted tax rules that will apply to the 2026 tax year, including a higher standard deduction that will meaningfully reduce...
Here’s How Much You Should Save Each Month To Retire by 65
Planning for retirement is a major financial goal, and knowing how much to save each month can put you in the driver’s seat. This guide...
The IRS is now using AI to flag tax returns in 2026: what triggers a closer look
The IRS has begun applying artificial intelligence to screen millions of tax returns filed in 2026, scoring each one for potential fraud or reporting problems...
Medicare Part B premiums rose to $203 per month in 2026: what changed and who pays more?
Millions of retirees saw a familiar expense climb again this year when Medicare Part B premiums rose to $202.90 per month for 2026. The change...
Social Security’s 2.8% COLA for 2026 adds just $56 a month: is it enough to keep up with costs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) set its 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) at 2.8%, translating to roughly $56 more per month for the average retiree starting...
What $2 million in retirement savings actually pays you each month after taxes
Reaching $2 million in retirement savings is a milestone many Americans work their entire careers to achieve. On paper, it sounds like more than enough...
Using a HELOC in retirement: when it helps your finances and when it can backfire
For retirees, financial surprises rarely disappear just because paychecks stop. Medical bills, home repairs, and market downturns can create sudden cash needs that traditional retirement...
The hidden costs of retirement that catch even well-prepared retirees off guard
Retirement is often imagined as a long stretch of freedom after decades of hard work. Many Americans spend years building savings and carefully planning their...
Small towns across the U.S. are offering retirees cash incentives and tax breaks to relocate
Across the U.S., many smaller cities are facing shrinking populations and aging workforces. To keep local economies strong, some towns have begun actively recruiting retirees...
European cities where retirees live well on less than $2,000 a month in 2026
Retiring in Europe is often seen as a luxury that many cannot afford. But several cities still offer a comfortable lifestyle for well under $2,000...
Retirees are earning an extra $500 to $2,000 per month in 2026: here is how
Many retirees are discovering that a side gig can dramatically improve financial freedom. Whether it is covering rising grocery bills, travel plans, or simply adding...
Only 10% of Americans have $1 million saved for retirement: where do you stand
Saving $1 million for retirement has long been touted as a financial milestone. For decades, financial planners have targeted that figure as a benchmark for...
The countries that ranked above the U.S. on the 2025 global retirement index
Retirement in the U.S. isn’t cheap, especially as housing, healthcare, and daily living costs continue rising. As a result, many Americans are exploring options abroad...
The average retiree spends $4,345 per month: 6 costs most people underestimate
Many Americans imagine retirement as a time when expenses finally shrink. The mortgage may be paid off, commuting disappears, and work-related costs fade. Yet the...
Retirees who work part time report better health and earn an average of $18,000 a year
Retirement no longer means stepping away from work entirely. A growing number of Americans keep hitting the pavement in some capacity after leaving full-time careers,...
The investment mistakes that could cost retirees over $100,000 in lost savings
Retirement should be the stage of life when decades of saving finally start working for you. Yet even well-prepared retirees can make investment decisions that...
The 4% retirement withdrawal rule may no longer work in 2026: what planners suggest instead
The 4% rule has been one of the most widely used guidelines in retirement planning for decades. The idea is simple: retirees withdraw 4% of...
Waiting until 70 to claim Social Security increases your monthly check by 24%
Many Americans focus on the traditional retirement milestone of age 65. But what they may not realize is when it comes to Social Security, waiting...