Blankenship Financial Solutions LLC- Brandon Blankenship, MBA

10/28/2026

There’s much more to retirement than choosing your Medicare coverage. As a licensed insurance agent, I’m here to help you create your customized plan so you can focus on your next adventure. Send me a message today to get started.

10/27/2026

🗓️Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15 🗓️

Whether it’s for yourself, a parent, or someone you care about, Medicare Open Enrollment is the window to review coverage and explore options for the upcoming year.

💡Remember, you can change your Medicare elections every year. If your needs have changed, it's worth reviewing to see if another option would be better. If you’re unsure where to start, now’s the time to ask questions and get the facts.

🗓️ Deadline: December 7 🗓️

🔍 Mark your calendar and double-check your current coverage before time runs out.

Contact me for a free review! 540-309-8374.

10/26/2026

Another interest-rate hike may be coming this year. The question is when.

Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s September meeting show that most officials believe another increase in the federal funds rate will likely be appropriate before the end of 2026. But policymakers stopped short of signaling whether that could happen at their October 28 meeting or the final meeting of the year on December 9.

📌 Of the 18 Fed officials who submitted rate projections, 16 expected another increase this year.

Why the caution? Inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target, while officials described the labor market as close to maximum employment and noted that economic growth has picked up.

At the same time, Fed officials emphasized that future decisions will depend on incoming economic data rather than a predetermined timeline.

For now, another hike appears to be on the table, but the timing is still an open question.



Source:

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday released minutes from its Sept. 15-16 policy meeting.

10/22/2026

10/15/2026

How does it stack up? Looking back over the last 20 years of Social Security cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments:

✅ It’s higher than 2.8% in 2026
✅ It’s above the 20-year average of about 2.6%
✅ It ties 2012 for the 4th-largest increase since 2008, behind only 2023 (8.7%), 2022 (5.9%) and 2009 (5.8%)

What does that mean in dollars? The average retired worker’s monthly benefit goes from $2,095 to $2,170 in 2027, about $75 more per month. The maximum benefit raises just slightly, from $4,152 a month to $4,188 in 2027.

Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the 3.6% COLA beginning in January 2027. Increased payments to about 7.3 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2026.

10/14/2026

If you’re 65 or older, you may need to enroll in Medicare. We’ll help you sort through the basics to determine if you qualify. Read more here:

65 or older? It may be time to enroll in Medicare. Read to learn if you’re eligible.

10/13/2026

Learn about Medicare Advantage and the choices it offers you for health care coverage, prescription drugs, and more.

Overview of Medicare Advantage, what’s in them, special rules, and more.

10/12/2026

Medicare Advantage—Medicare Part C—is coverage from a private health insurance plan. Learn about the differences between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare coverage here:

Medicare Part C allows you to choose a Medicare Advantage plan. This article will help you decide if it's right for you.