As 2026 begins, Social Security retirees reflect on a tumultuous year marked by a significant cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 2.8%, which is an increase from the previous year’s 2.5% but the lowest since 2022. The COLA, influenced by fluctuating inflation data, faced delays due to a government shutdown. Retirees are encouraged to review changes to better plan their budgets for the upcoming year. Staying informed about these adjustments is crucial for effective financial management.
