Healthcare costs are still rising - but unevenly. Medicare premiums and deductibles are up in 2026, while some caps and average plan premiums are improving.

There are a lot of changes for 2026 when it comes to financial and retirement planning.

Social Security benefits will rise by 2.8% in 2026, giving the average retiree an extra $56 per month beginning in January.

Higher earners (making $145,000 in salary or more) must make catch-up contributions into a Roth account starting in 2026.

Roth conversions and Qualified Charitable Distributions can help manage taxable income and reduce future RMD obligations.