Adams Financial

09/04/2026

09/01/2026

Beyond the headlines and by the numbers—a digest of this week's top financial news for August 31, 2026: bit.ly/4xqU46G

08/25/2026

Early estimates for the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) 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.

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is an annual change that helps Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits keep pace with inflation. The Social Security Administration typically announces the official COLA for the upcoming year in October.

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.

08/18/2026

The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935, establishing a federal benefit system for older Americans. Here are some facts about Social Security as it turns 91 (see brochure at bit.ly/3SBHbYi for more details):

▪️ Eligibility is determined by work history. You must have a minimum of 40 "credits" (about 10 years of work) to qualify for Social Security.
▪️ Your benefit is based off the average earnings over 35 years.
▪️ Your date of birth directly affects your benefit.
▪️ When you reach full retirement age, taking social security does not reduce your benefit if you continue to work.
▪️ You may be eligible for a spousal benefit if you're at least age 62.
▪️ With the correct timing, your spousal benefit can be up to half of your spouse's benefit.
▪️ Survivor benefits could exist if a spouse passes away.
▪️ Social Security benefits max tax rate is 85%.
▪️ Not all income increases your tax liability, such as Roth distributions, life insurance proceeds, or qualified charitable distributions.
▪️ A divorcee may be eligible for their ex-spouse benefit. To qualify, you must be unmarried, at least 62 years old, have been married to the ex-spouse for at least 10 years, and your ex must be eligible for retirement or disability benefits.

Hopefully you found one of these facts helpful or learned something new. As always, please let us know if you would like to discuss your accounts, financial plan or the markets. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your family.

This information may not be relied on for the purpose of determining your social security benefits or eligibility, or avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek advice from your own tax or legal professional.

08/11/2026

Beyond the headlines and by the numbers—a digest of this week's top financial news for August 10, 2026: bit.ly/3SopcEF

08/06/2026

Shifting the way you look at your bucket list, from a list of things to do before you die to a list of things to do right now, might lead to a more rewarding—and ultimately fulfilled—lifestyle.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named representative, broker-dealer, state- or SEC- registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

07/21/2026

Insurance is meant to protect you against financial loss. But is it really meant to protect you from any and all financial loss? When it comes to filing a loss claim on your home insurance, there may be times when not filing may be the wisest course of action. (1)

According to one study, the national average premium increase after filing a homeowners insurance claim is 9%, although this number varies depending on your specific location. (2)

What About My Premium?

Some insurance companies may protect you against premium increases. However, if filing a claim means your premium will rise, you may need to decide whether it makes sense to do it.

It may not pay to file a claim if:

o The claim amount is small. Your policy will have a deductible, so even claims of $1,000 to $2,000 may not have a favorable long-term cost benefit.

o You're not covered for a loss. Read your policy first to determine coverage. The simple act of filing a claim (even for a claim that won't be paid) may result in higher premiums.

o You have filed a claim within the last seven years. Since previous claims are tracked by an industry database for seven years, it may result in higher premiums.

Another factor to consider: you may want to file a claim regardless of dollar amount if someone is injured on your property, in order to protect yourself in the event that you are sued by the injured party.

(1) Several factors will affect the cost of homeowners insurance, including the location, size, and contents in the home. You should consider the amount of your deductible and level of coverage before purchasing a policy. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.

(2) InsuranceQuotes.com, 2025

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2026 FMG Suite.

07/08/2026

Major student loan changes went into effect July 1, bringing updates to borrowing limits, repayment options, and federal aid eligibility. This overhaul, made under the 2025 “Big Beautiful Bill Act,” will affect millions of people who take out loans to finance their education.

New rules limit how much some students and parents can borrow. Parent PLUS loans will be capped at $20,000 per year and $65,000 total per student, while new caps will also apply to graduate and professional degree borrowing.

Repayment options are also changing. New federal loan borrowers will have fewer choices, with options narrowing to a tiered standard repayment structure or a new income-driven option called the Repayment Assistance Program.

Borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE may also need to choose a new repayment option, with loan servicers expected to send notices about next steps. Pell Grant rules are changing as well, including expanded eligibility for some short-term workforce training programs.

For borrowers and students, the takeaway is simple: Watch for communications from loan servicers, confirm that contact information is current, and review available options before deadlines arrive. Read more at bit.ly/4ycZrag.

07/02/2026

Our office will be closed Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. The US stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, will also be closed on Friday. Happy Fourth of July, y'all!

06/24/2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup brackets can seem pretty complicated to figure out. By comparison, understanding how Federal Marginal Income Tax Brackets work is a bit easier. as this video explains.