Navigating Social Security: Understanding COLA and Its Impact on Retirement Finances
The text emphasizes the crucial role of Social Security for American retirees and explores the impact of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) on maintaining purchasing power. It outlines the calculation of COLA using the CPI-W, reflects on recent inflation-driven increases, and predicts a modest 2.5% COLA for 2025 that may not suffice against rising shelter and healthcare costs. Additionally, it highlights the challenge of increasing Medicare premiums and encourages exploring strategies to enhance Social Security benefits for a secure retirement.
