Qualified workers are entitled to retirement benefits at age 62. But anyone who collects Social Security before full retirement age (FRA) will have a portion of their benefits withheld if their income exceeds certain limits known as the retirement earnings test (RET) amounts.

But when we look back at the data, it becomes clear that a 2.5% Social Security COLA isn't so terrible. In fact, it's a lot more generous than some of the COLAs beneficiaries have seen in the past. In 2024, Social Security benefits rose by 3.2%. The year prior, they increased by 8.7%. And in 2022, a 5.9% COLA came through.

There are many factors that average American workers weigh when making significant decisions about retirement.One of the first things people seek information about as they approach the possible end of their careers involves figuring out what age is best for them to take the bold step.

It's nearly effortless but can have a major impact on your retirement.

Your Social Security statement estimates your future retirement benefits based on current earnings. Working over 35 years and delaying benefits past age 62 can increase your monthly payments.

A good rule of thumb to figure out your retirement savings needs is to come up with an annual income you expect to need, subtract your annual Social Security benefit, and then multiply the remaining number by 25.

Social Security's upcoming cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is the smallest (by far) to arrive in years. And it's natural to be disappointed by a meager increase in your monthly checks. But when we look back at the data,

David Bowie might not want to be a richer man, but most of us would like to be richer, and annual Social Security-related changes can help, to a modest degree. Here are some important things to know about Social Security changes for 2025.