Social Security Changes for 2026: What Retirees Need to Know

Social Security will look different in 2026, and while the adjustments may seem minor on the surface, they can carry real weight over the course of retirement. Today we'll explain what's changing and why it matters for your long-term planning. Join Jake and Nick as they discuss how benefits are shifting, why retirement ages continue to move later, and the impact of higher costs tied to healthcare and taxes. More importantly, they highlight how these changes fit into the bigger picture. Social Security was never meant to be a stand-alone retirement plan, and relying on it exclusively can leave you vulnerable to inflation, rising medical expenses, and legislative tweaks like the ones we're seeing now. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📈 2026 COLA: 2.7% raise, still trails inflation ⏳ A later full retirement age means planning for longer lifespans and income needs 🏥 Healthcare costs keep climbing with Medicare premium hikes 🧭 Small changes add up, so planning ahead is essential   Our website: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/ Phone: 800-208-7233 Contact our team: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/contact-us/   Get your customized Money Map: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/your-money-map/#form Join us for our next financial workshop: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-workshops/ Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://johnsonbrunetti.com/financial-resources/   Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3CcAzai