Woman's World

Are Social Security Changes Leaving You Money on the Table?

cmosness — Fri, 08 May 2026 19:50:34 +0000

There have been a lot of approved and proposed changes to Social Security this year that have left millions of Americans wondering if they will get their full benefit checks in June and beyond. Well, the good news is that June checks are going to be paid out as normal, but next year’s benefits might be a little different. Below, we share everything you need to know about the latest Social Security updates and reveal how you can get the full $5,181 each month.

What to know about the 2026 Social Security changes

When it comes to 2026 Social Security changes, the biggest ones were the 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) amount, the new wage base limit of $184,500 and the change in retirement age. Most of those things happen every year or so, though, meaning that Social Security recipients can prepare for them well in advance.

One thing Social Security recipients couldn’t have prepared for? The field office cuts. In November 2025, Social Security Administration (SSA) commissioner Frank Bisignano said he would halve the number of people who go into field offices in 2026. As part of this, SSA encourages Social Security recipients to view their claim status or access their Social Security number online, instead of going into an office.

“With a secure foundation for serving the American people in place, we are moving quickly to achieve our vision of a digital-first SSA—one that operates at peak efficiency and provides world-class service to every American, whether they call, come into a field office or choose to manage their benefits online,” he said in a statement in November 2025. “To do this, we are continuously improving service through the strategic implementation of technology and data-driven management decisions to further enhance the experience across all customer touchpoints.”

Social Security card
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That news was met with considerable backlash from lawmakers, including Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren.

“This sure sounds like another way to make it even harder for Americans to get the benefits they’ve earned,” the Senator wrote on Facebook in December 2025. “I will not stop fighting to protect Social Security.”

Currently, there’s no word on how these cuts have been going. There is also no word on whether the SSA will continue to make cuts throughout the year.

Along with all of that, President Donald Trump announced that he would be cutting taxes on Social Security, as outlined in his One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). He also announced a $6,000 tax break for seniors, which went into effect earlier this year.

A look at how these changes impact Social Security checks

Currently, the only changes impacting Social Security checks are the 2.8 percent COLA, which increased monthly payments; the new retirement age, which raised the full retirement age from 66 to 67 for those born in 1960 or later and the new wage base limit, which affects how much money is subject to Social Security taxes and ultimately influences benefit calculations.

The other changes mainly affected Social Security recipients’ 2025 tax returns and whether they preferred to visit a Social Security office in person.

“The no taxes on Social Security was supposed to help boost people’s checks, but since many states still tax seniors’ benefits, that change really hasn’t impacted a lot of Americans,” says Eric Bronnenkant, the head of tax at Edelman Financial Engines.

The SSA is working on sending out everyone’s May benefits. Then, come June 1, it will start sending out the next wave of checks. You can view the entire June 2026 Social Security payment schedule below.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will get their payments on Monday, June 1.
If you received Social Security before May 1997 or are receiving both Social Security and SSI, you’ll get both payments on Wednesday, June 13
If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, June 10.
If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, June 17.
If you were born on the 21st through the 31st of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, June 24.

How to get the full $5,181 in Social Security benefits

To get the full $5,181 in Social Security benefits, retirees must have worked for 35 years while earning the wage base limit of $184,500. They must also wait to claim their benefits until they turn 70.

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If these changes don’t apply to you, experts recommend double-checking that you’re receiving every Social Security benefit you’re entitled to. They also recommend delaying claiming your benefits until you’re at least 70-years-old. Now, neither of those things will get you to the full $5,181, but it can help guarantee you’re collecting every penny you’ve earned.

How to Get the Full $1,000 Trump Account Retirement Match

cmosness — Tue, 05 May 2026 15:29:12 +0000

During his State of the Union address in February, President Donald Trump hinted that he may be creating a new retirement fund for Americans. The idea wasn’t discussed much more after that, leaving many to wonder if it would ever actually happen. Enter TrumpIRA, the president’s new retirement program that promises $1,000 to workers whose employers don’t offer retirement plans. But, how exactly does the program work? And how can Americans who qualify enroll in it? We break it all down below.

What we know so far about TrumpIRA

On Thursday, April 30, President Trump signed an executive order into law that would allow working Americans without an employee-sponsored retirement plan to find and compare private-sector retirement savings accounts via his soon-to-be-launched website, TrumpIRA.gov. The order also made it so the federal government has to start matching 50 percent of any retirement contributions made by individual workers who earn less than $35,500 a year and don’t have an employee-sponsored retirement plan. For couples that file jointly, that limit increases to $71,000.

The cap for the retirement fund match is currently $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for couples per year. For example, if an individual who makes less than $35,500 puts $2,000 into their retirement plan, the federal government will match $1,000. If someone puts $500 in, the federal government will only match $250. The max cap is $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for couples, even if someone puts in $5,000 they will only be matched up to $2,000 depending on their filing status.

The idea for that plan comes from President Joe Biden’s Saver’s Match, which was part of the 2022 Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) 2.0 Act. That act was based on President Trump’s 2019 SECURE 1.0 act, which has had bipartisan support over the years.

President Donald Trump on April 30, 2026
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“For millions of Americans who lack employer-sponsored plans, this will be really revolutionary, because they’ll be covered,” Trump said at an Oval Office signing ceremony according to NBC News.

This executive order is a little different from what President Trump first promised Americans during his State of the Union address. During that speech, he said he would give workers without a retirement fund the option to enroll in certain parts of the federal government’s retirement program. Currently, the only part of that plan that’s included in President Trump’s new retirement accounts is the matching, which is similar to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) offered to federal employees.

“We have millions and millions of people, because the stock market has done so well, setting all those records. Your 401(k)s are way up. Yet half of all working Americans still do not have access to a retirement plan with matching contributions from an employer,” Trump said during his State of the Union address. “To remedy this gross disparity, my administration will give these forgotten American workers, great people, people that built our country, access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker. We will match your contribution with up to $1,000 each year.”

Will that $1,000 match be enough for people to retire on?

During the signing of his new executive order President Trump said that if a young employee saves regularly and enrolls in his new program, they should be able to have $465,000 in their retirement accounts by the time they reach 65.

“In other words, they’ll be rich,” Trump said.

But is that statement correct? And will the match he’s promising actually help Americans? Winnie Sun, cofounder and managing director of Sun Group Wealth Partners, told CNBC, ″$465,000 sounds big—and for many, if not most families, it’s definitely meaningful.”

“Sometimes ‘wealth’ isn’t about excess,” Sun continued. “I think these programs aren’t really about creating millionaires, but more about sparking the inspiration to start saving. So maybe the better question isn’t, ‘Is this rich?’ It’s, ‘Is this better than where we started?’”

Certified financial planner Barry Glassman, founder of Glassman Wealth Services, agreed, telling the outlet, “There are advantages to these accounts, but I don’t believe they are going to make people rich.”

“While $465,000 could provide a healthy sum for retirement, with 3 percent inflation, in 30 years that’s equivalent to less than $200,000 today,” he continued, “Again, not a small sum, but certainly does not qualify someone as rich.”

How to enroll in President Trump’s new retirement plan

The millions of Americans who meet the qualifications—making less than $35,500 a year as an individual and $71,000 as a couple at a job without an employee-sponsored 401 (k) plan—and want to enroll in the program will have to wait until the website actually launches to do so. According to the President, the target date for that is January 1, 2027.

Before that happens, President Trump said he is hoping to increase the salary limit. According to Kevin Hassett, director of the White House’s National Economic Council, “We’re working with Congress to significantly expand this program and are looking forward to legislation this year.”

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If that happens and legislation is passed, there’s a chance more Americans could become eligible for the program. As of publication, nothing has been decided.

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When Should You Buy An Annuity? Suze Orman Weighs In

strotter — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:30:50 +0000

If you’re retired or approaching retirement, you’ve probably wondered whether an annuity could give you more financial security than staying invested in the market. It’s one of the most common questions retirees face—and one of the most confusing. Financial expert Suze Orman, bestselling author and host of the Women & Money podcast, says the answer isn’t about following a percentage rule or what everyone else is doing. It comes down to one key factor: your income needs. Here’s how to determine if an annuity is right for you.

Q: I’m no longer working but I want more financial security. Is an annuity safer than staying fully invested in the market, and how much of my savings—if any—should I allocate to one?

Suze: Annuities can be a helpful tool in retirement, but whether they make sense for you depends on one key factor: your income needs.

Here’s what that means

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The first step is figuring out how much money you need each month to cover your essential expenses.

Next, look at your guaranteed income sources, like Social Security, a pension, rental properties, interest or dividends.

If those sources already cover most of your essential expenses, then you may not need an annuity at all. But if your reliable income falls short each month, an immediate annuity or deferred income annuity can convert a portion of your savings into a steady monthly paycheck that lasts for life.

However, one important thing to remember with most lifetime annuities: when you die, the payments stop and the money is gone. Unless you choose special features such as a joint annuity or a guaranteed payment period, there may be little left for heirs.

The ‘rule’ to avoid

Notice I didn’t say everyone should put a certain percentage of their savings into an annuity. Percentages can serve as rough guidelines, but they should never be the starting point. The starting point is: How much guaranteed income do you need each month to cover the gap?

Once you know that number, you can determine—based on your age and interest rates at the time—how much you would need to place into an annuity to generate that income. Used carefully, an annuity can provide the confidence that your paycheck will never stop.

This story first appeared in the May 4, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.

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The Retirement Rule Suze Orman Says You Should Ignore

strotter — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 01:30:26 +0000

When it comes to retirement planning, most of us follow age-based rules we’ve heard for years: be conservative after 60, shift to safety at 70. But financial expert Suze Orman says those guidelines miss the mark entirely. The bestselling author and host of the Women & Money podcast believes retirement safety has nothing to do with your birthday—and everything to do with whether your money can actually support the life you’re living. Here, she shares the honest conversation you need to have with yourself about structuring retirement income that will carry you through a very long life.

Q: I’m 66. What’s the best way to structure my retirement income to cover my expenses long term?

Suze: Retirement safety has nothing to do with a birthday. It has everything to do with whether your money can support the life you are actually living.

Too many people make financial decisions based on age alone. They hear rules like “be more conservative after 60” or “shift everything to safety at 70.” But those are general guidelines.

Your age is just a number. Your real risk age is written in your bank accounts, your investment statements, your health and your responsibilities.

When you stop focusing on how old you are and start getting radically honest about your financial reality, that is when you can begin to balance growth and safety in a way that will carry you through a very long life.

Start by facing your real numbers

Write down what it actually costs you to live each month: housing, food, utilities, insurance, medications, transportation. Then think about what may show up later: higher healthcare costs, home repairs or helping children or grandchildren.

Next, list every source of predictable income you have: Social Security, pensions, annuities, rental income or even part-time work.

Now compare the two

If your steady income plus safe savings cannot comfortably cover your essential expenses, you do not have the luxury of taking big investment risks no matter what your birth certificate says. Your priority must be safety: eliminate high-interest debt, cut unnecessary spending and build a strong cash cushion.

But if your essential expenses are covered and covered comfortably, the conversation changes. In that case, even if you are well past traditional retirement age, you may still want a meaningful portion of your portfolio invested for long-term growth.

Know that retirement today may last 25 or even 30 years

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So the real question is not “How old am I?” but “If I live another 30 years, will there still be more than enough?”

Peace of mind does not come from following an age rule. It comes from knowing your numbers, telling yourself the truth about them and having the courage to act on what they say.

This story first appeared in the May 4, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.

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Ready for Your Payout? How To Claim Your Capital One Settlement Money!

strotter — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:12:03 +0000

Have you ever had a high-interest savings account with Capital One? If so, you may be entitled to a portion of a massive payout! This week, a judge approved a $425 million settlement in a lawsuit filed against the banking corporation in 2025 and Capital One is now paying some customers restitution money. You could be one of them if you have ever had a Capital One 360 Savings account! Find out below how to get your Capital One settlement money and when you can expect your payment.

Who qualifies for the Capital One settlement payout?

If you are a current or former Capital One 360 Savings account holder, you may be eligible for part of the payout. In order to qualify, your account must have been active between September 18, 2019 and June 16, 2025.

The reason for the 2019 date? In September of that year, Capital One launched a similar “360 Performance Savings” account option that paid more interest than the other account. But the bank didn’t inform current customers they could make the switch, and many were confused about the differences between the two offerings.

That lack of transparency caused those customers to miss out on extra money they would have otherwise earned. Now, the settlement ensures anyone impacted receives fair compensation.

Capital One settlement amounts: How much will you get?

Like many other settlements, your portion of the payout will largely depend on the number of affected customers who qualify for money. In other words, fewer eligible individuals means higher amounts because the $425 million won’t be divided between as many people.

But that’s not the only component impacting your payout. The settlement also states that the amount you receive will be based on how long you had your account and how much money was available during that time. Those who had been with Capital One for all or most of those years can assume they’ll receive a larger payment.

How to claim your Capital One settlement payment

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Ready for the best part? No action is required to receive your portion of the $425 million settlement! As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, the payment will automatically be sent to you.

If you didn’t select an electronic payment method by the March 30 deadline, you will receive a check in the mail if the amount is $5 or higher. (But if you did not sign up for electronic payment and your payout is less than $5, the money will be forfeited, reports CBS News.)

The settlement website states that money is expected to be sent out on or around July 21, 2026, so be sure to check your mailbox or savings account after that time!

Bonus: Capital One is raising interest rates

There’s yet another reason for impacted Capital One customers to celebrate! The settlement also calls for the bank to raise the interest rate on its 360 Savings account to match that of the 360 Performance account.

This new agreement means customers will start reaping the same benefits as the other account holders without having to move their money. Essentially, the payout is meant to provide people with the money they lost while the increased rates ensure they are earning a fair amount in interest moving forward.

For more information on the newly approved deal, visit the settlement website here.

When Will Your May Social Security Check Arrive? We Have the Exact Dates

cmosness — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:31:06 +0000

As the partial government shutdown continues, many Americans are wondering if their May Social Security benefits will arrive on time. After all, some government services—like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)—have been impacted in the past. Below, we share what beneficiaries can expect from Social Security payments in May and reveal how you can calculate how much money you will receive.

What to know about Social Security payments in May 2026

Just like in the past, Social Security payments will not be affected by the partial government shutdown, since they are considered essential expenses. The exact payment schedule is as follows:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will get their payments on Friday, May 1.
If you received Social Security before May 1997 or are receiving both Social Security and SSI, you’ll get both payments on Friday, May 1.

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If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, May 13.
If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, May 20.
If you were born on the 21st through the 31st of the month, your benefits will be sent out on Wednesday, May 27.

Now, those payment dates may seem later than usual this May, but they follow the standard schedule: Benefits are always sent out on the second, third, and fourth Wednesday of the month, based on your birthday. In May 2026, those Wednesdays happen to fall on the 13th, 20th and 27th—a bit later in the month due to how the calendar lines up.

How to calculate how much money you’ll get in your monthly Social Security check

To calculate how much money you will get in your monthly Social Security check all you need to do is enter your date of birth, your earnings in the current year or in the last year you worked into the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Quick Benefits Calculator. From there it will tell you how much money you will make each month based on your age. It will also tell you how much money you will get if you claim disability or survivor benefits.

How to make the most out of your monthly checks

As tariffs, inflation and the war in Iran continue to raise prices on many necessities, millions of Americans are searching for ways to make their money work for them. This includes people on Social Security, who work on a fixed income each month.

To make that income last, Colin Ruggiero, co-founder ofDisabilityGuidance.org, an organization dedicated to providing information and resources for those with disabilities who are seeking financial assistance through SSDI and SSI, recommends creating a budget.

“Housing, food and healthcare should come before anything else and a simple structure, such as fixed vs. flexible spending can prevent the common problem of running short late in the month,” he explains.

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Another thing seniors can do? Make sure they are getting every benefit they are entitled to.

“Programs tied to the Social Security Administration, plus local and state aid, such as SNAP or Medicare savings programs, can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs and stretch your income,” says Ruggiero. “Maximizing your benefits is also a good way to get the most out of your social security check. If you have not claimed yet, delaying your Social Security—up to age 70—can permanently increase your monthly benefits.”

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How to Get Free Travel Upgrades on Hotels, Flights and Rental Cars

strotter — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:00:37 +0000

Imagine checking into your hotel and being handed keys to a room with a stunning view—at no extra charge. Or settling into a spacious airplane seat with plenty of legroom that you didn’t pay a penny more for. Sounds too good to be true? Travel experts say these kinds of free upgrades happen more often than you’d expect—and with a few simple strategies, you can make them happen on your next trip. The secret isn’t luck or elite status—it’s knowing exactly what to say and when to ask.

Enjoy a better hotel stay

Hotels often have flexibility for making a guest’s stay more special. Follow these easy tactics to boost your chances:

Join the loyalty program

Most major hotel brands will be able to offer complimentary upgrades to loyalty members even when at the entry tier, says Aiden Freeborn, senior editor of TheBrokeBackpacker.com. “Don’t expect the presidential suite, but you might get a bump up to a higher floor and perks like free breakfast.”

Write a note

When making a reservation with the hotel online, add a brief, polite request if you see a “special notes” field, suggests Michael Nicklin, on-air lifestyle contributor and travel expert. You might say that you’re a light sleeper who’d appreciate a higher floor, then close with a “thank you,” for example. “Notes are read one to two days before arrival,” he explains. That’s when the staff decides which guests go where.

Mention a celebration

“Hotels will try to create memorable experiences for guests celebrating engagements, anniversaries, graduations or significant personal milestones,” says Lucinda Faucheux, travel agent and co-founder of Travel Support Circle. Casually mentioning the occasion at check-in may prompt staff to offer small discretionary pluses.

Call a travel agent

Not only do they make trip planning easier, but they can often get you freebies during your stay. Why? Travel professionals cultivate strong relationships with hotels, so their clients are often placed higher on priority lists for possible bonuses, explains Jennifer Fernandez, certified travel advisor for Fora Travel.

Get a comfier seat

When there are unsold plane tickets or no-shows, gate agents are more willing to swap you in when you:

Make the right request

Clearly asking for something specific can help, says Dovi Geretz, Chief Technology Officer at SlickTrip.com. Instead of asking broadly about upgrades, try saying, “If an extra-legroom seat opens up, I’d appreciate it if I could sit there.”

Take a ‘no’ in stride

If an agent can’t change your seat right away, staying kind can make you memorable. Geretz recalls one time he was turned down when asking about extra-legroom seating on a full flight. “I stayed friendly and thanked the agent for checking.” About 20 minutes later, he was offered a last-minute seat opening.

Score a spacious ride

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Getting a bigger rental car for the same price often comes down to timing, inventory and being prepared. What can help boost your odds:

Make a ‘tiny’ reservation

The smallest cars are often the first to run out since they’re the cheapest, so consider reserving one, says Miles Cooke, founder of GET.cruises. “When compact cars are in short supply but larger vehicles are plentiful, staff frequently upgrade customers at no cost just to keep things moving smoothly.”

Be ready to go

Having your license, payment method and confirmation ready before you reach the counter can bump you to the VIP list. “Staff often prioritize moving efficient customers through the line quickly—and assigning a better vehicle can be the fastest solution when inventory doesn’t match reservations,” says Cooke.

The next time you travel, remember that upgrades aren’t just for VIPs with elite status or deep pockets—with these simple strategies, you can turn any trip into a more comfortable, memorable experience without spending an extra dime.

This story first appeared in the April 27, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.

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Is Your Tax Refund Is Smaller This Year? Here's Why

cmosness — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:56:39 +0000

Back in January, President Donald Trump and his administration promised Americans that their tax refunds would increase by $1,000 or more this year. And while refunds are up 11.1 percent from the previous year, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the average dollar amount has only increased by about $350. Why is that? And what can you do if your tax refund is less than you were expecting? We look into it all below.

What to know about tax refunds this year

Last year, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and The Working Families Tax Cut Act. These moves were supposed to increase the average tax refund; eliminate tax on tips, overtime and Social Security; and give farmers a break on their taxes.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts are about opening the books for the American people,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement at the time. “We want Americans to see exactly how President Trump’s policies will strengthen small businesses, allow workers to keep more of their hard-earned money and spur economic growth.”

Some Americans actually benefited from the breaks, with Nicole Mendoza, a waitress at Cracker Barrel, telling The New York Times, “I got back every penny.”

Ashley Norwood, a bartender in South Carolina, echoed a similar statement, telling the outlet, “It was really great to have that extra money and say, ‘We can pay off what we do owe and do something nice for ourselves and the family.’”

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Others feel differently, saying they didn’t get as much money as they originally hoped—a fact that heavily impacts the rest of their 2026 financial planning. Heather Brown, a scheduling manager for a home-improvement company, for example, got an $1,800 refund this year, which is much less than the $4,500 she received last year.

“Now we’re going to have to figure out where to tighten up in other areas so we can get that money a different way,” she told The New York Times.

Matt Dangel, a machinist, normally gets about $6,000 back from the IRS, and while that remained true this year, his check only increased by $120, not the promised $1,000.

“I was certainly expecting there to be more than $120 worth,” he told the outlet.

Why are the refunds smaller?

So, why exactly are the refunds smaller anyway? According to Elisabella Ricca, a personal finance and consumer analyst at TopCashback.com, it’s all because of the OBBBA.

“Recent tax changes relating to the OBBBA can be confusing or intimidating for those less familiar with tax rules. There are several new deductions, including ones for seniors, tips and overtime,” Ricca explains.”If they neglect to use them and expect them to be automatically applied, they may be disappointed by a smaller refund.”

Courtney Alev, a consumer financial advocate at Intuit Credit Karma, adds, “If your tax refund is smaller than expected, it’s usually due to changes in your income, tax credits or how much was withheld throughout the year. The first step is to review your return closely to understand what shifted.”

What can you do if your refund is smaller than expected?

Alev’s advice for those whose refund is smaller than expected? “Think about how to make that money work harder for you, whether that’s paying down high-interest credit card debt or putting it into a high-yield savings account so it can grow over time.”

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“If your plans are suddenly impacted by your refund, focus on covering essentials first and revisit your budget to stay on track,” she continues. “To get ahead next year, keep in mind that your refund isn’t extra money, it’s money that you’ve overpaid, so you may want to consider adjusting withholding to better align and meet your financial goals.”

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Harrison Ford’s Social Security Check Is The Financial Wake-Up Call Every Woman Needs

Allison Palmer — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:34:30 +0000

Han Solo collects Social Security and his estimated monthly check is more than double what most Americans receive. That gap isn’t just celebrity trivia. It’s a financial wake-up call about your own retirement hiding in plain sight.

Harrison Ford’s social security benefit and what it reveals about yours

Harrison Ford, 83, has hinted at retirement from acting, according to the New York Post, though some sources claim he’s not ready to give up work entirely. His estimated Social Security benefit of roughly $4,640 per month is based on the 2012 maximum benefit adjusted forward with annual COLA increases.

The Social Security Administration uses only a worker’s top 35 earning years, meaning his pre-Star Wars income is largely irrelevant to his benefit calculation. But this story isn’t really about a movie star’s paycheck. It’s about the retirement decisions you’re making right now.

Harrison Ford earns double the average social security benefit — here’s why that matters

If you’ve never checked your projected Social Security benefit, you’re not alone, and that’s exactly the problem. The average Social Security retirement benefit in 2026 is just $2,071 per month, roughly half of what a high earner who delayed claiming to age 70 would receive. Most Americans don’t know their projected benefit, don’t know how timing affects it and aren’t making active decisions about it.

That passive approach is getting riskier. Social Security’s primary trust fund is projected to face depletion by 2032 without legislative action. The 2.8% COLA increase for 2026, while welcome on paper, tells a more complicated story. Rising Medicare Part B premiums in 2026 is $202.90, an increase of $17.90 from $185.00 in 2025.

According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, the Part B premium increase will eat up over a quarter, roughly 26%, of Social Security’s 2.8% COLA. The net real gain for the average retiree works out to roughly $38 per month.

Here’s what the SSA says maximum benefits look like in 2026: at age 62, $2,969/month; at full retirement age (67), $4,207/month; at age 70, $5,181/month; and the average benefit sits at $2,071/month. Fewer than 6% of workers ever earn at the taxable wage cap ($184,500 in 2026) needed to approach those maximum figures.

How your social security claiming age can change your retirement

The single biggest lever most women have over their Social Security benefit is when they claim it. Every year you delay past full retirement age adds 8% permanently to your benefit, according to the SSA. Waiting from 67 to 70 locks in a 24% permanent increase. Claiming at 62 versus 70 can mean more than $1,300 per month difference for life.

The long-term math is striking. For a worker with a $2,200 monthly benefit at full retirement age, living to 85 and delaying from 62 to 70 produces roughly $66,240 more in total lifetime benefits. Living to 90 pushes that gap to approximately $137,280, according to RetirePro. Your specific numbers will vary, but the direction is the same for almost every worker.

Delaying isn’t right for everyone. Health, life expectancy, existing savings and market returns all play a role. The point is to make the decision consciously, not by default.

Steps you can take right now to protect your social security benefit

You don’t need Harrison Ford’s paycheck to make smarter Social Security decisions. Whether retirement is five years away or twenty, a few steps today can make a meaningful difference in the monthly check you’ll eventually depend on.

Start by checking your estimated benefit at ssa.gov through a free mySocialSecurity account. From there, model different claiming ages using SSA’s online calculators before committing to anything. Factor in Medicare Part B premiums when projecting your real monthly retirement income, and consider speaking with a financial advisor if you’re within five years of retirement.

Harrison Ford’s $4,640 check might grab headlines. But your own Social Security benefit and the decisions you make around it will shape your daily life in retirement far more than any movie star’s payday. The best time to start paying attention is now.

A Top CPA Shares What to Know About Tax Day If You Can't File Tomorrow

Abbey Bender — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:15:00 +0000

We are officially less than one day away from Tax Day, and if you’re one of the millions of Americans who hasn’t filed yet, keep reading. Woman’s World recently sat down with CPA Lisa Greene-Lewis, a TurboTax Expert, who shares everything you need to know about filing late or asking for a tax extension to help ease the burden of finishing your taxes by 11:59 p.m on April 15.

What is a tax extension?

A tax extension is an interest-free delay that allows people to file their federal income tax returns at a later date. This option is helpful for millions of Americans, but if you owe, an extension doesn’t necessarily delay what you have to pay.

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“If you owe money, pay as much as you can and then you can contact the IRS for an installment agreement, which allows you to pay what you owe over six years,” advises Greene-Lewis. “Don’t let the thought of owing hold you back from filing; by the time you get all of the deductions and credits available, you may not owe money.”

How to file for a tax extension

If you decide to file for an extension, Greene-Lewis advises filling out Form 4868, which is available on the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) website. This will give you a six-month no-questions-asked extension to file federal income taxes, moving your deadline from April 15 to October 15.

Some of the most common reasons people file for an extension include missing or inaccurate W-2s, 1099s or K-1 forms, experiencing an unexpected life event, having a complicated tax situation, waiting for a new Social Security Number for a dependent and simply just wanting to double check a return.

“If you have all your documents together, there’s no reason to file an extension. You still have time. You can file up until 11:59pm on April 15, whether you do your taxes yourself or have someone file for you,” Greene-Lewis says. “If you’re missing any important forms that report income, like W-2s or 1099s or documentation that shows expenses you can deduct, then you may want to file an extension.”

Is it bad to file for an extension?

In general, filing for an extension isn’t bad and is actually quite common. That being said, Greene-Lewis still advises filling on time if you are able.

“If you have everything together, I would get filing out the way, especially since you may have a refund coming. The majority of people do receive a refund, and refunds are up this year,” she explains. “If you don’t have everything you need to file an accurate return, it’s not bad to file an extension, but remember that it is an extension to file and not to pay, if you owe.”

The common tax-filing mistake to avoid

Many people who don’t file their taxes by April 15 decide to not to file them at all. They don’t ask for an extension; they don’t file them late. But that can do more harm than good, warns Greene-Lewis.

“If you missed the deadline, file as soon as possible to avoid any penalties,” she explains. “If you file an extension by the deadline, then you will avoid the ‘failure to file’ penalty if you owe money. If you don’t file an extension, owe money and don’t file or pay, you will receive a ‘failure to file’ penalty of 5 percent of what you owe and a ‘failure to pay’ penalty of ½ of 1 percent of what you owe.”

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“If you are getting a refund, you should still file as soon as possible to get closer to your refund,” Greene-Lewis continues. “Plus, the IRS gets a copy of the forms your income is reported on and eventually will calculate how much they think you owe without knowing your deductions and credits you’re eligible for.”

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