10/12/2026
π The annual Social Security COLA announcement is a reminder that inflation can have a lasting impact on retirement income.
COLA stands for Cost-of-Living Adjustment, the annual increase designed to help Social Security benefits keep pace with inflation.
Current projections suggest the 2027 COLA could land between 3.1% and 3.6%, potentially adding about $60 to $75 per month to the average $2,000 benefit. If those estimates hold, it would represent the largest Social Security benefit increase since 2023.
π‘ Retirement Tip: Don't focus solely on your benefit increase. Take time to review your overall retirement income strategy and consider how rising expenses, healthcare costs, and inflation may affect your long-term budget.