Tag: financial pressures

How the 2.5% Social Security Increase Impacts Retirees

H. Cutner
Social Security Increase

Social Security’s Cost-of-Living Adjustments: What Do the Numbers Tell Us? The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security is an essential mechanism designed to ensure that benefits keep pace with inflation. Over the past decade, these adjustments have varied significantly, reflecting the economic climate and inflation rates. Notably, in 2023, beneficiaries experienced an 8.7% increase, the largest in nearly 40 years, driven by soaring inflation. In contrast, the 2024 adjustment was more subdued at 3.2%. Historically, the COLA has averaged around 2.6% over the last 20 years, indicating that this year’s…

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Storms raging in the Southeastern U.S. may put heavy burden on those without flood insurance

Tropical Storm Lee is making its way through the Southeastern U.S. bringing torrents of rain and the fear of widespread flooding. On its heels is Hurricane Katia, which has forecasters baffled as to where it will be heading. Lee made landfall over the weekend, inundating Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and parts of Louisiana with water. The storm will put strain on an insurance industry that is already reeling from the passing of Hurricane Irene last week and has many worried whether the industry can handle another flood disaster. Flood insurance is…

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