Millions of retirees across the U.S. are about to see an increase in their Social Security benefits. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which is set to be announced in just a couple of weeks, will impact the payments for Social Security beneficiaries, especially retirees.
However, while the news is good for now, experts warn that retirees should prepare for potential changes in 2026.
The Federal Reserve has made some key moves in controlling inflation, which has influenced the COLA increases over the past few years. However, with inflation now better controlled, future increases in Social Security payments may not be as large as they have been recently.
Here’s what retirees need to know about the upcoming benefit increase and what they should prepare for in the coming years.
Key Social Security and Economic Updates
| Year | COLA Percentage | Economic Update | Inflation Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8.7% | Inflation was high; retirees saw a significant boost | High inflation led to larger Social Security increases |
| 2024 (Expected) | 2.6% | Inflation under control; smaller increase expected | With inflation under control, COLA might be smaller |
| 2025 (Expected) | 2.2% | Economy expected to stabilize | Lower inflation expected, leading to smaller COLA |
| 2026 (Expected) | Uncertain | Retirees should prepare for potential financial challenges | If inflation remains low, COLA could stay modest |
What is COLA?
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is an annual increase to Social Security benefits that helps retirees keep up with inflation. It’s based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which measures inflation.
In recent years, retirees have enjoyed substantial increases in their Social Security benefits due to high inflation. In the past three years alone, benefits have increased by 18.8%.
But now, with inflation stabilizing, retirees may not see the same level of increases moving forward. The Federal Reserve has worked hard to bring inflation under control, and they’ve recently reduced interest rates. This has had a big impact on the economy, which is now more stable.
What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond?
Looking ahead to 2025, the COLA increase is expected to be around 2.6%, much lower than what retirees have seen in recent years. This is because inflation is no longer as high as it was in the past. In fact, oil prices, one of the main factors in inflation, have decreased significantly.
As a result, many economists expect the inflation rate to slow down even further by the end of 2025, meaning retirees will likely see a COLA of around 2.2% in 2026.
While this might be disappointing to retirees who have grown used to larger increases, there’s also good news. Lower inflation means that the cost of goods and services is not rising as quickly as it was before. This means that the buying power of Social Security benefits will remain relatively stable, even with smaller COLA increases.
Preparing for 2026
Though the COLA increase for 2024 is a positive change, retirees should begin to prepare for possible financial adjustments in 2026. With inflation under control and the economy stabilizing, future COLA increases may be smaller.
This means retirees could face slower growth in their benefits, which may not keep pace with rising costs, especially for essentials like healthcare, utilities, and groceries.
To stay ahead of these changes, retirees should focus on proactive financial planning. Start by reviewing your budget to identify potential savings opportunities or areas to cut back on discretionary spending.
It may also be a good time to explore ways to boost income, such as part-time work, investments, or other retirement savings accounts.
Additionally, consider locking in lower interest rates on loans, as refinancing can reduce your monthly debt payments and help stretch your Social Security benefits further. By planning ahead now, retirees can better handle any challenges that a smaller COLA increase might bring in the coming years.
Here are some steps retirees can take to prepare for potential changes in 2026:
- Review Expenses: Take a close look at your monthly budget and identify any areas where you can cut back.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of economic news and updates on Social Security to be aware of future changes.
- Consider Debt Refinancing: With interest rates dropping, now might be a good time to refinance any existing debt, like mortgages or auto loans, to lower your payments.
- Plan for Healthcare Costs: Healthcare is one of the biggest expenses for retirees, so it’s essential to set aside extra funds for unexpected medical expenses.
Related News:
- Social Security Increase: Only These Retirees Will See Bigger Checks!
- Official Date for First Social Security Payment with Check Increase Announced
Summary
While the upcoming Social Security benefit increase is welcome news, retirees should stay mindful of future changes. Inflation may be under control now, but it’s always a good idea to prepare for financial uncertainties. By staying informed and making smart financial decisions, retirees can ensure they’re ready for whatever comes next.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.