Fastest Four: Social Security is Rising

Social Security checks are getting a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment in 2026 — but don’t get too excited. That’s only about $56 more per month for the average retiree. The problem? Healthcare costs are climbing faster than inflation, and Medicare premiums are expected to jump 11.6%, eating away nearly half of that “raise.”

In this week’s Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman explains why your Social Security increase won’t go as far as you think — and what you can do to keep your retirement income ahead of rising costs.

• Why COLA increases aren’t keeping up with real expenses
• How Medicare and inflation erode your buying power
• Smart strategies to protect and grow your income in retirement