Constance Craig-Mason: Financial Expert

05/25/2026

Will the 2027 Social Security COLA Break the 45-Year High of 8.7% Set in 2023? Here's What We Know.

May 24, 2026 — Kailey Hagen, CFP

We're still nearly seven months away from the official 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement, but projections indicate that seniors hoping for an above-average increase are likely to get their wish. Inflation has increased recently, driving up COLA estimates.

Some are hoping next year's COLA will rival the 8.7% Social Security benefit boost seniors saw in 2023 -- the highest COLA in the last 45 years. We can't say for sure whether this will be the case, but here's what's likely based on what we know so far.

The latest 2027 Social Security COLA projection is 3.9%

The Social Security Administration doesn't announce projections before the official COLA announcement in mid-October. But The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a nonpartisan senior group, does, and its predictions tend to be pretty accurate, especially as the official announcement nears.

The April 2026 Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed that inflation rose to 3.8%, up from 3.3% in March. This prompted TSCL to increase its COLA projection from 2.8% to 3.9%, a 1.1% increase. It's a bit unusual for it to increase benefits this much in a single month, and it reflects growing concerns about inflation.

That said, as things stand now, we're a long way from the 8.7% COLA that beneficiaries got in 2023. The COLA is tied to the inflation rate -- specifically, the average third-quarter inflation data. The Social Security Administration compares CPI data from July, August, and September of the current year with those from July, August, and September of the previous year. The average difference from 2022 to 2023 was 8.7%, so that's what the 2023 COLA became.

It's not impossible to think that another 8.7% COLA could occur in 2027. In May 2023, inflation was 4% according to the CPI report, which isn't much higher than where we are now. But inflation would have to increase rapidly over the coming months to break the 45-year record.

That would be tough on everyone, especially seniors living on a fixed income. It might lead to a larger Social Security boost, but all that extra money would go toward covering your rising living costs rather than raising your standard of living.

The Social Security Administration will announce the official 2027 Social Security COLA on Oct. 14, 2026…

For more on the story, click here 🌐 https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/2027-social-security-cola-break-150500653.html

Source: The Motley Fool

There are still several months to go, but all signs point to an above-average COLA so far.

05/01/2026

📱Please, stop your scrolling for 3 seconds and help us celebrate the birthday of our Founder, Dr Constance Craig-Mason, MRFC®, NSSA® 👏🏾

If you’ve been in her presence for even a few moments, you may attest to the light, warmth and joy that radiates from her soul.

She’s been a blessing to so many families and partners, not just in York County but across the globe!

Dr. Constance, we hope that you have an incredible birthday today! 🎂

04/05/2026

Happy Easter! Rise Up!

03/26/2026

“I know I’ll never be able to afford a house, but I CAN afford this new pair of shoes…” - Hanna Horvath, CFP®

Ever heard of “doom spending” aka revenge spending?

It’s when your brain looks for something it CAN control and tries to self-soothe when big financial goals seem out of reach!

But this relief is temporary. Then guilt and shame sets in and repeats this cycle of behavior…

Sound familiar? ✋🏾

No judgement here! Been there, done that and got a few t-shirts (probably on sale 😅😅) to prove it!

Check out this incredible podcast episode with Jean Chatzky and Hanna Horvath, CFP® on HerMoney below to dig deeper and figure out how to stop this loop!

There's a feeling a lot of women are having right now that's hard to name. It's not exactly anxiety, it's not exactly anger. It's more like confusion,

03/02/2026

Do These 5 Things To Make Your Finances Better Than the Majority of Americans’ in 2026

February 28, 2026 - Jamela Adam, CFEI®

If you want your money situation to look better this year, it’s time to start building smart and intentional money habits. You can change your financial trajectory at any point in life, as long as you make a clear decision and stay consistent with it.

So, here are five (5) high-impact moves you can make now to improve your financial situation.

✅ Build an Emergency Fund

According to new Empower research, nearly 40% of Americans say they couldn’t afford an unexpected $400 bill, and the median emergency savings of Americans is just a couple hundred dollars.

✅ Take Budgeting Seriously

According to the PNC Bank Financial Wellness in the Workplace Report, 67% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.

✅ Earn More or Diversify Your Income

The Modern Paycheck Report shows that over half of full-time U.S. workers earn income outside their primary job, whether through freelancing, gig work, investment returns or other side hustles.

✅ Tackle Your Debt

According to recent Experian data, the average U.S. household has over $100,000 in total debt, including mortgages.

✅ Invest In Your Future

It’s important to keep some of your cash easily accessible for emergencies, but long-term financial stability comes from investing.

For more details on each recommendation, please click here 🌐 https://www.aol.com/articles/5-things-finances-better-majority-100041139.html

Source: AOL | GOBankingRates

Here are five high-impact moves you can make now to get ahead of the financial curve.

02/20/2026

U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Global Tariffs

Ruling finds president exceeded his powers by imposing duties without clear authorization from Congress

February 20, 2026 — Reuters

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court struck down on Friday U.S. President Donald Trump‘s sweeping tariffs that he pursued under a law meant for use in national emergencies, rejecting one of his most contentious assertions of his authority in a ruling with major implications for the global economy.

The justices, in a 6-3 ruling authored by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, upheld a lower court’s decision that the Republican president’s use of this 1977 law exceeded his authority.

The court ruled that the Trump administration’s interpretation that the law at issue - the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA - grants Trump the power he claims to impose tariffs would intrude on the powers of Congress and violate a legal principle called the “major questions” doctrine.

The doctrine, embraced by the conservative justices, requires actions by the government’s executive branch of “vast economic and political significance” to be clearly authorized by Congress. The court used the doctrine to stymie some of Democratic former President Joe Biden’s key executive actions.

Roberts, citing a prior Supreme Court ruling, wrote that “the president must ‘point to clear congressional authorization’ to justify his extraordinary assertion of the power to impose tariffs,” adding: “He cannot.”

Trump has leveraged tariffs - taxes on imported goods - as a key economic and foreign policy tool. They have been central to a global trade war that Trump initiated after he began his second term as president, one that has alienated trading partners, affected financial markets and caused global economic uncertainty.

The Supreme Court reached its conclusion in a legal challenge by businesses affected by the tariffs and 12 U.S. states, most of them Democratic-governed, against Trump’s unprecedented use of this law to unilaterally impose the import taxes.

For more on the ruling, click here 🌐 https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/tariffs/2026/02/20/us-supreme-court-rejects-trumps-global-tariffs/

Source: Reuters | BNN Bloomberg

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down on Friday U.S. President Donald Trump‘s sweeping tariffs that he pursued under a law meant for use in national emergencies, rejecting one of his most contentious assertions of his authority in a ruling with major implications for the global economy.

02/08/2026

If You Claim Social Security at 62 It’ll
Cost You 30% Benefit Reduction Permanently

February 7, 2026 — Michael Williams

📌 The One Decision That Matters Most: When You Claim

The timing of your claim creates a permanent difference in monthly income. Starting benefits at 62 means accepting a significant reduction that reflects the additional years Social Security expects to pay you. For context, someone who would receive full benefits at 67 would see their monthly check reduced by nearly a third if they claim early—turning what could be a comfortable monthly payment into a more modest amount that must stretch just as far.

This reduction isn’t temporary; it lasts for life.

Claiming early means smaller checks for potentially 20 or 30 years. Waiting until 67 means five years without Social Security income, but higher payments once they start. The break-even point typically falls around age 78 to 80. If you expect to live past that, waiting often pays off.

The reduction from early claiming is permanent. You can’t change your mind at 70 and suddenly get full benefits. The only exception is a narrow withdrawal window within 12 months of claiming, which requires repaying every dollar received.

📌 How This Interacts With Other Retirement Income

If you have a 401(k) or IRA, the question becomes whether you can afford to delay Social Security by drawing down savings first. This strategy preserves the higher monthly benefit while living off investments during your early 60s.

The tax picture adds another layer of complexity.

To continue reading, click here 🌐 https://247wallst.com/investing/2026/02/07/retiring-at-67-costs-you-30-if-you-claim-social-security-at-62/

Source: 24/7 Wall St.


Disclaimer: This public article is being shared for educational content purposes only and is not intended to be nor should it be construed as retirement planning, social security filing, tax or investment advice. Please consult your licensed financial advisor professionals for guidance, advice and full evaluation of your needs and goals.

02/04/2026

Congress Extends Medicare Telehealth Coverage For Two Years

February 3, 2026 — Bruce Japsen

President Trump Tuesday signed into law a two-year extension of telehealth services for older adults covered by the Medicare health insurance program but stopped short of a permanent extension of reimbursement for reliable access to virtual care.

Still, the extension, passed earlier in the day by Congress along with appropriations bills, was welcome news to physicians, telehealth providers and other supporters who have had to deal with government shutdowns and related delays that interrupted access to virtual care for millions of older adults. It extends telehealth access for Americans enrolled in Medicare through the end of 2027.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued bipartisan, bicameral backing of our Congressional champions, holding steady on their support for telehealth and virtual care services," said Kyle Zebley, chief executive officer of the American Telemedicine Association and executive director, ATA Action, the telemedicine group’s affiliated policy and legislative advocacy arm.

The waivers approved once again by Congress allow for providers to get paid for telehealth services delivered in any location, including a patient’s home rather than just a doctor’s office or hospital and certain other healthcare locations.

The legislation extended Medicare telehealth waivers and the “acute hospital at home” program. The legislation provides for the following:

• Extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027.

• Five-year extension of the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program through September 30, 2030.

• Extension of in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation flexibilities through January 1, 2028.

• Enhancements to certain durable medical equipment (DME) requirements under Medicare.

• Requirement that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issue guidance within one year on furnishing telehealth services to individuals with limited English proficiency.

• Inclusion of virtual diabetes suppliers in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program through December 31, 2029.

To continue reading the article, click here 🌐 https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2026/02/03/congress-extends-medicare-telehealth-coverage-for-two-years/

Source: Forbes

President Trump signed into law a two-year extension of telehealth services for older adults covered by the Medicare health insurance program.

01/19/2026

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

01/16/2026

“As a leader in the financial space, it’s up to me to help people get out of their own way. If I know there’s potential for you to come in and be guarded, I have to be unguarded when we begin to have these intentional conversations. We need the walls to be down in order for transformation to take place.” - Dr. Constance N Craig-Mason, MRFC®, NSSA®

This episode was a reminder that financial confidence starts with trust, not tactics.

New conversation on the GAVIN Fi Podcast. Listen now 🎧 https://youtu.be/TmGxXr1Fqss

In financial services, trust is rooted in clear and consistent communication.

In our newest GAVIN Fi Podcast episode, Sophie Hanneken speaks with Dr. Constance Craig-Mason, Founder and Executive Director of Money TALK$ Movement, Inc. and CEO of Concierge Financial Advisory, about how approachable messaging and visual storytelling tools help financial professionals build client confidence and stronger relationships.

Dr. Craig-Mason shares how creating judgment-free conversations and leading with empathy can transform how people engage with financial decisions.

Listen to the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmGxXr1Fqss