Author: Sarah M

Should I Have A WILL or a TRUST?

Written by Sarah M on July 15, 2026.

Do you need a WILL, a TRUST, or both? A lot of people think a trust is something you set up to save on taxes or protect your assets from creditors or lawsuits. While some trusts are designed for those purposes, that’s not why most families create one. For the vast majority of people, a trust isn’t about taxes or lawsuits at all. It’s about making things easier for your loved ones after you’re gone. The truth is, everyone needs a will. Not everyone needs a trust. Understanding the difference can help you decide what’s right for your family.

2026 Social Security Increase! What’s the REAL Number?

Written by Sarah M on July 7, 2026.

The numbers are in for the new Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). It might seem like beneficiaries are getting a raise, but the increase may not feel as significant as many retirees expected. That’s because your Social Security COLA isn’t the only thing affecting the amount that actually lands in your bank account each month. Rising Medicare Part B premiums can offset a portion of that increase, leaving many retirees with a much smaller bump in their monthly checks.

Here is a closer look at how the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is calculated, why Medicare premiums matter, and whether today’s inflation measure accurately reflects what retirees are really experiencing.