Three Changes Coming for Social Security in 2025

Maximize Your Social Security Benefit

Deciding when to take Social Security is a complicated piece of retirement planning. Some people opt to start benefits sooner and take smaller checks, while others try to hold out for the biggest check. The best recommended strategies to assist with receiving your highest possible Social Security benefit could include: working longer, earning more money, and waiting as long as possible to trigger.

A misconception when planning and budgeting for next year is leaning on the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The COLA is calculated by averaging together the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for July, August and September and then comparing that figure with the same data as last year. On average, the annual COLA adjustment helps ensure that a retiree’s benefit amount has the same purchasing power year after year.

Without relying solely on COLA increases, click here to read “7 Ways to Squeeze More Money Out of Social Security for Life.” 

If you have any questions regarding your situation, please contact the office at (518) 584-2555.

More than 6 out of 10 adults age 55 and older engage in some volunteer activity.

Volunteering is a great way to help fill your days while enjoying retirement. There are many benefits for both you and your community; you’ll feel fulfilled, get involved, and stay active all while helping an organization or individual in need. No volunteering duty is too small!

Here are a few creative ideas of how you can volunteer in retirement:

• Mentoring youths in your area
• Host an exchange student
• Train a guide dog
• Build houses with Habitat for Humanity

Check out this helpful website to browse the volunteer opportunities available in the Saratoga Springs area. 

Spooky Events in Saratoga Springs

Every October we can find our favorite local activities to get us in the spirit of the Fall season and Halloween!

Double M Haunted Hayrides is a well-known scary, yet local, attraction happening every weekend in October as well as the weekly Ghosts of Saratoga Trolley Tours every Thursdays at 7pm.

For an event not as frightening, check out the 3^rd Annual Witch, Walk, and Dance event on October 19^th.

If you're interested in just enjoying autumn in Saratoga, check out the Saratoga Fall Festival on the 26^th of this month.

To view the entire monthly event calendar, click here!