October 23, 2026
Hi Reader
We have a lot of news to share this week, so grab your coffee.
A raise for 2027 (and a trip to Switzerland)
Last week, Social Security announced that the cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 will be 3.6%. The bigger checks start arriving in January, and you don't have to do anything to get it.
Is it life-changing? No. But every little bit helps. For me, my COLA has a very specific job: it funds my travel bucket list. And 2027's destination is already picked out. Switzerland. I'm already dreaming about mountain trains, cheese fondue and chocolate.
If your COLA has a job too, I'd love to hear what it is.
I got some of my math wrong (Yup!)
Now for something a little humbling. I didn't have all the numbers right in my post about taking Social Security at 62.
So I went back, reworked the figures, and revised the post. My conclusion hasn't changed. I would still take it early, because it fits our long-term plan for funding retirement. But you deserve the correct numbers behind that decision so you can make the best decision for you.
Should You Take Social Security at 62? (Revised)
This blog has always been about learning as we go. None of us got a manual for retirement, and this stuff is genuinely tricky. When I get something wrong, I'd rather tell you than hope nobody notices. I hope you appreciate the correction as much as I appreciated catching it.
Medicare open enrollment is here
If you're on Medicare, your annual window to review and change your coverage opened on October 15th and runs through December 7th.
I put together a post with a few things I hope will help you through it, including a link to free, unbiased one-on-one help through your state's SHIP program at SHIPhelp.org. They're not selling anything. They just help you sort out your options.
Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know
Coming soon: Roth conversions and IRMAA
I'm also working through Roth conversions right now, and how they bump into IRMAA, the income-based surcharge on Medicare premiums. My working belief is that you want to keep your conversions below the IRMAA thresholds. But I want to get the details right this time, so I'm taking my time. Look for that in the next few weeks.
Why all this planning matters
On a personal note: being a parent never stops.
You never stop worrying. You never stop caring, whether your kids are 7 or 37. And when grandchildren come along, that adds a whole other layer of worry and caring.
Some weeks that weighs on me. But when I step back, I realize it's also the reason I sit down and work through COLAs, Medicare plans, and Roth conversions in the first place. Getting our finances in order isn't really about the numbers. It's about being steady enough to show up for the people we love, for as long as they need us.
I guess that's what it means to be blessed: great families, and lots of love to go with all that worry.
I'd love to hear from you
Is there a retirement topic you've found especially confusing, something you'd like me to dig into the way I'm digging into Roth conversions? Hit reply and tell me. I read every message, and your question might become the next post.
Warmly, Wendy
Quote of the Week
"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." — often attributed to Henry Ford
Something I'm Loving
SimplyGoodCoffee The Brewer - Plastic Free - love it and the coffee tastes wonderful!!!!!
A Small Favor
Know someone on Medicare who hasn't looked at their plan yet this year? Forward this email to him or her. December 7th will be here before we know it.
