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1 week ago | 
barrons.com | Elizabeth O'Brien
Mounting fears over the future of Social Security are causing more Americans to file for retirement benefits early. But concerns don’t change the math: It’s still the best annuity around, and claiming early could shortchange you for life.
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1 week ago | 
barrons.com | Elizabeth O'Brien
The Trump administration on Wednesday rolled back a guideline that urged companies to exercise “extreme care” in offering cryptocurrency in their 401(k) plans. It is a win for Fidelity Investments, which is a major player in crypto brokerage services and products and had objected to the Biden-era rule.
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1 week ago | 
barrons.com | Elizabeth O'Brien
The megabill the House of Representatives passed on Thursday includes a bunch of provisions that will affect retirees’ finances, with a notable absence: No tax breaks on Social Security.
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2 weeks ago | 
barrons.com | Elizabeth O'Brien
The House of Representatives handed President Donald Trump a major victory by passing its One Big Beautiful Bill Act early Thursday morning. The legislation contains a slew of tax breaks for individuals, a bigger SALT tax deduction, Medicaid cuts, and immigration spending measures—but no Social Security tax cuts, a Trump campaign promise.
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2 weeks ago | 
barrons.com | Elizabeth O'Brien
Market Anxiety Is Running High. How to Secure Your Retirement Portfolio. These moves can help protect and grow your nest egg, whether you’re already retired or still in the workforce. Retirement planning always involves peering into a crystal ball, but the outlook seems murkier than ever.
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3 weeks ago | 
barrons.com | Elizabeth O'Brien
The GOP’s Tax Cuts Would Fray America’s Safety Net. Medicaid Is Up First. House Republicans aim to cut spending by $2 trillion. Slashing Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security would hit the most vulnerable. The Farina family was relieved when their matriarch, Gloria, qualified for Medicaid in 2023 after a grueling application process. The support allows Gloria, 91, to remain at her assisted-living facility near Atlantic City, N.J., where she receives excellent care.
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3 weeks ago | 
barrons.com | Elizabeth O'Brien
The Farina family was relieved when their matriarch, Gloria, qualified for Medicaid in 2023 after a grueling application process. The support allows Gloria, 91, to remain at her assisted-living facility near Atlantic City, N.J., where she receives excellent care.
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3 weeks ago | 
barrons.com | Elizabeth O'Brien
House Republicans unveiled stiff work requirements and cuts to Medicaid in one of the most controversial parts of the budget bill making its way through Congress. The legislation also would extend $4.5 trillion in tax breaks passed during President Donald Trump’s first term.
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4 weeks ago | 
barrons.com | Elizabeth O'Brien
Retirees who sign up for Medicare could be in for a rude surprise: Their drug coverage may be worse than what they had with their employer’s insurance plan. A study from GoodRx Research found that the average Medicare plan excludes 44% of medications. Conversely, the average commercial insurance plan doesn’t cover 21% of medications. What’s more, nearly half of the drugs that are covered by Medicare plans are subject to certain restrictions.
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4 weeks ago | 
advisorstream.com | Elizabeth O'Brien |Ron Phillips
By Elizabeth O'Brien May 8, 2025 New Retirees: Your Drug Coverage May Be Worse on MedicareRetirees who sign up for Medicare could be in for a rude surprise: Their drug coverage may be worse than what they had with their employer’s insurance plan. A study from GoodRx Research found that the average Medicare plan excludes 44% of medications. Conversely, the average commercial insurance plan doesn’t cover 21% of medications.
