7 Habits for a Happy Retirement | Financial Focus for Election Season | Social Security COLA

Social Security COLA Updated for 2025 | How Much Retirement Income Could Your ESOP Generate? | This Election, Your Financial Plans Should Focus on Taxes Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( October 24, 2024 FOLLOW US:  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Retirement Tips]( [SIGN UP](format=multipart) ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] Your Safety Net [] [Social Security COLA Updated for 2025]( [Social Security COLA Updated for 2025]( (Getty Images) The Social Security annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 is 2.5%, the smallest increase since 2020, as expected. Here’s what it means for your retirement income planning - and how you can [ensure a larger monthly Social Security benefit](. [] Investing Strategy [] [How Much Retirement Income Could Your ESOP Generate?]( A well-crafted strategy of diversification and distribution can transform your ESOP into a rewarding retirement nest egg. This is how you [turn the money in your Employee Stock Ownership Plan into a retirement cash cow](, plus an example with actual numbers. [Read More]( [Help Maximize Your Retirement Potential]( Making your savings last and keeping your taxes low takes planning and attention. We can help you save time and earn more. Vanguard Personal Advisor is built to provide you an ongoing collaboration with our professional advisors -- no matter where you are in your journey. [LEARN MORE]( Paid non-client promotion ADVERTISEMENT [] Tax Tips [] [This Election, Your Financial Plans Should Focus on Taxes]( [This Election, Your Financial Plans Should Focus on Taxes]( (Getty Images) Don't let election drama tempt you into changing the makeup of your portfolio. The sensible move right now is to [work out how to lower your future tax burden](. [] Retirement Mindset [] [Seven Habits for a Happy Retirement]( Most people think that planning for a happy retirement is all about numbers. While you're reviewing your retirement checklist, it's also essential to focus on all those things money can't buy, like these [happy habits that studies show can improve life satisfaction in retirement](. [Read More]( [6 Misconceptions About Social Security]( Collecting Social Security benefits can be an important component of your retirement income strategy, but the federal program can also be complicated to understand. Get the facts on how the Social Security program works for retirees. [READ MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Travel on a Budget [] [How to Save on Booking a Cruise]( [How to Save on Booking a Cruise]( (Getty Images) Cruises can be a great way for extended families to enjoy time together, as they offer activities for kids, adults and seniors. And if you book a cruise strategically with travel rewards credit cards or cash back cards, you can [save money and get extra perks for your trip.]( [Retire Abroad with a European Passport]( As American interest in dual citizenship grows, Portugal's Golden Visa offers an attractive solution. With a simple investment, secure European residency and enjoy the freedom to travel or retire across 27 countries. Discover how this can enhance your long-term plans. [Learn More]( ADVERTISEMENT: [] RELATED KIPLINGER ARTICLES WE THINK YOU'LL ENJOY [] [Capital Gains in Retirement: RMDs, Tax Brackets, Social Security and Medicare]( Capital gains tax can significantly impact your funds and financial planning for retirement. [Six Target-Date Funds to Buy For Your Retirement]( Target-date funds make it easy to save. But be careful about which one you choose. 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