Matthews Financial Services

09/03/2026

Have you considered everything when it comes to your retirement? Perhaps not. Check out our fascinating new infographic on retirement issues.

This attention-grabbing infographic covers retirement topics you may not have considered.

09/02/2026

For many Gen Xers, retirement is starting to feel less like a distant milestone and more like a looming financial reality.

The oldest members of the generation will turn 62 next year, the earliest age to claim Social Security. At the same time, many are approaching retirement with limited savings and fewer pensions than previous generations had.

The median Gen X retirement savings balance is about $107,000, while members of the generation estimate they’ll need roughly $700,000 for retirement. Social Security may also become an increasingly important source of income, with 41% of workers over 55 saying they expect it to be their primary source in retirement.

That gap is prompting some Gen Xers to rethink when they’ll stop working, how much they may need to save, and what retirement could realistically look like.

If retirement is getting closer, this may be a good time to review your savings, expected Social Security benefits, and other sources of retirement income.

Millions of Generation X Americans expect to depend on Social Security as their main — or only — source of retirement income.

09/01/2026

Looking to create a financial legacy for your heirs while managing taxes? Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) may be the solution you're looking for. Explore how GRATs can help you transfer wealth and reduce gift tax liability.

Explaining Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) and their benefit to estate strategy.

09/01/2026

Stocks rebounded last week as falling bond yields and upbeat AI-related corporate reports rekindled positive market sentiment despite the Fed Chair’s slightly hawkish speech. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.49 percent, while...

08/27/2026

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common in today's digital world. Make sure you're prepared with this helpful checklist of steps to take if you've experienced a breach. Stay informed, change passwords, monitor credit accounts, and more.

This article provides a checklist of steps to take if you experience a data breach.

08/27/2026

Stocks declined last week as global investors fretted about oil-supply-induced inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 2.05 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

08/25/2026

Wondering about your choices for putting aside money for retirement? Learn more about your options.

08/20/2026

Stocks were mixed over a sleepy summer week, as cooling inflation lifted markets while sluggish retail sales nipped at investor sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 0.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged up 0...

08/20/2026

Thinking about a prepaid debit card? Consider the pros and cons.

08/19/2026

Early estimates for the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment have moved lower as inflation moderates.

New projections suggest the 2027 COLA may fall between 3.4% and 3.6%.

The official adjustment has not been announced yet. The final number will depend on inflation data for July, August, and September.

Social Security COLAs are calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, known as CPI-W.

July data showed CPI-W rose 3.4% over the past 12 months. The broader consumer price index also rose 3.4% year over year.

One estimate from AARP suggests a 3.5% COLA would raise the average retired worker’s benefit by about $73 per month.

For retirees and near-retirees, the COLA is an important reminder that inflation can affect income, purchasing power, household expenses, and long-term financial decisions.

New estimates show just how much Social Security benefits may increase in 2027, based on new government inflation data.