Warning: Taking Custody of a Grandchild Can Reduce Your Social Security Benefit by $800 Monthly
Taking legal custody of a grandchild will not reduce your Social Security benefits by $800 monthly—or by any amount.
Category Strategies
HSA Triple Tax Advantage in 2026: What Most Americans Don’t Know Could Cost Them Thousands
Three tax advantages—deductions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals—combine in 2026 to create a savings opportunity most working Americans overlook entirely.
She Became Her Grandchildren’s Legal Guardian at 64 and Spent $47,000 in the First Year
At 64, most people expect to be winding down their careers and preparing for retirement. But for many grandparents stepping into a guardianship role,...
Warning: Uncollected Pension Benefits Average $23,000 Per Retiree Who Doesn’t File Properly
Thousands of retirees unknowingly forfeit tens of thousands in pension income due to filing deadlines, elections, and paperwork rules they never understood.
$18,700 Average Annual Amount Grandparents Contribute to Grandchildren’s College Costs
While a commonly cited figure of $18,700 in average annual grandparent contributions to grandchildren's college costs circulates in retirement planning...
New Study Found That Non-Fiduciary Advisors Cost Clients an Average of $17,000 More Over 20 Years
Non-fiduciary advisors can legally recommend high-commission investments even when cheaper alternatives would serve you better, costing retirement portfolios over $130,000 over 20 years.
At Least 1 in 4 Grandparents Now Financially Support a Grandchild’s College Education
While popular headlines claim that one in four grandparents support grandchildren's college education, the reality is slightly more nuanced—but no less...
Fact Check: Does Medicare Cover Anxiety Medication Fully? The Answer Costs Retirees Billions
Medicare does cover anxiety medications, but "fully" is the operative word that costs retirees billions in out-of-pocket expenses.
She Retired at 67 and Spent $31,000 on Mental Health Care Before Discovering Her Coverage Gap
Sarah's story is not uncommon among early retirees. At 67, she had worked hard for decades, paid into her pension, and finally stepped away from her job...
He Worked Part-Time at 68 and His Social Security Benefit Was Temporarily Reduced by $4,800
Part-time work at 68 can slash Social Security benefits by thousands—here's how the earnings test works and what it means for your money.