Alessandra Malito
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Retirement reporter @MarketWatch. ChFC®. I love cooking, crafting & talking about your 401(k). We're all always learning. RT≠endorsement. Coffee=life. 🇺🇸🇮🇹
Articles by Alessandra Malito
My wife has dementia and may outlive me. How do we prepare for long-term memory care?
"We both receive nontaxed Veterans Affairs disability income for a total of around $6,400 per month." (Photo subjects are models.) - MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto My wife has had fairly advanced dementia for six years. I quit working early to take care of the chores she could no longer do. We've got about $900,000 in a pretax IRA. Our house will be paid off in about four months, and we've got $140,000 in our checking account. We have two 11-year-old cars with low mileage, both paid off.
My wife has dementia and may outlive me. How do we prepare for long-term memory care?
Help Me Retire ‘She’s 69 and otherwise healthy as a horse’ Updated Nov. 13, 2026, 4:09 a.m. ET “We both receive nontaxed Veterans Affairs disability income for a total of around $6,400 per month.” (Photo subjects are models.) Photo: MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto Dear Help Me Retire, My wife has had fairly advanced dementia for six years. I quit working early to take care of the chores she could no longer do. We’ve got about $900,000 in a pretax IRA.
I'm second-guessing my adviser: Is an annuity the right move in this market?
Dear Help Me Retire, I'm preparing to retire, and my fixed expenses are covered by Social Security. The majority of my retirement savings is in an IRA managed by a large brokerage firm, and my current portfolio allocation is 60% stocks and 40% bonds. My portfolio manager, a CFP professional and fiduciary with the firm, has recommended moving a portion of the bond allocation into a deferred fixed annuity offered by a highly rated, unaffiliated insurance company.
I'm second-guessing my adviser: Is an annuity the right move in this market?
By Alessandra Malito 'I haven't committed to the strategy yet and would appreciate some independent perspectives' "The annuity was recently offering a 5.75% rate on a jumbo contract with a five-year term and no fees. The three-year option offers a slightly lower rate." (Photo subject is a model.) Dear Help Me Retire, I'm preparing to retire, and my fixed expenses are covered by Social Security.
Second-guessing my adviser: Is an annuity the right move in this market?
By Alessandra Malito 'I haven't committed to the strategy yet and would appreciate some independent perspectives' "The annuity was recently offering a 5.75% rate on a jumbo contract with a five-year term and no fees. The three-year option offers a slightly lower rate." (Photo subject is a model.) Dear Help Me Retire, I'm preparing to retire, and my fixed expenses are covered by Social Security.
Democrats' big election win revives a difficult Social Security question: Who pays?
By Alessandra Malito There are many ideas for saving Social Security. All of them will hurt. Congress must act sooner rather than later if it intends to keep Social Security solvent. The so-called blue wave of the 2026 midterm elections may be the beginning of Social Security reform - and increased taxes, at least for some Americans. Senatorial terms last six years, and the program's trust funds are expected to run out of money in the next six years.
Help Me Retire ‘I haven’t committed to the strategy yet and would appreciate some independent perspectives’ Nov. 6, 2026, 1:53 p.m. ET “The annuity was recently offering a 5.75% rate on a jumbo contract with a five-year term and no fees. The three-year option offers a slightly lower rate.” (Photo subject is a model.) Photo: MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto Dear Help Me Retire, I’m preparing to retire, and my fixed expenses are covered by Social Security.
My adviser recommended an annuity. Is it the right move in this market environment?
By Alessandra Malito 'I haven't committed to the strategy yet and would appreciate some independent perspectives' "The annuity was recently offering a 5.75% rate on a jumbo contract with a five-year term and no fees. The three-year option offers a slightly lower rate." (Photo subject is a model.) Dear Help Me Retire, I'm preparing to retire, and my fixed expenses are covered by Social Security.
Democrats' big election win revives a difficult Social Security question: Who pays?
By Alessandra Malito There are many ideas for saving Social Security. All of them will hurt. Congress must act sooner rather than later if it intends to keep Social Security solvent. The so-called blue wave of the 2026 midterm elections may be the beginning of Social Security reform - and increased taxes, at least for some Americans. Senatorial terms last six years, and the program's trust funds are expected to run out of money in the next six years.
Democrats’ big election win revives a difficult Social Security question: Who pays?
There are many ideas for saving Social Security. All of them will hurt. Nov. 4, 2026, 3:47 p.m. ET Congress must act sooner rather than later if it intends to keep Social Security solvent. Photo: MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto The so-called blue wave of the 2026 midterm elections may be the beginning of Social Security reform — and increased taxes, at least for some Americans.
Democrats’ big election win revives a difficult Social Security question: Who pays?
Eliminating the income-tax cap has received bipartisan support. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican, have put out a joint statement on the idea. "Social Security was created by overwhelming bipartisan congressional majorities," the pair of senators said in a New York Times Opinion piece earlier this year. "Today, members of Congress from both parties must come together again to save it.
Democrats' big election win revives a difficult Social Security question: Who pays?
By Alessandra Malito There are many ideas for saving Social Security. All of them will hurt. Congress must act sooner rather than later if it intends to keep Social Security solvent. The so-called blue wave of the 2026 midterm elections may be the beginning of Social Security reform - and increased taxes, at least for some Americans. Senatorial terms last six years, and the program's trust funds are expected to run out of money in the next six years.
Is it curtains for COLA? Saving Social Security could mean changing the cost-of-living adjustment.
By Alessandra Malito Several proposals consider changing the way retirees receive inflation protection. Here's what it could cost you. Many Americans rely on the cost-of-living adjustment, but altering it might be one provision in a package to fix the program's insolvency issue. For U.S. workers, Social Security is a cherished benefit. It's guaranteed lifetime income that adjusts every year to keep up with inflation.
Social Security's fate - and your benefits - are in the hands of the candidates elected this year
By Alessandra Malito The program is expected to run out of money in the next six years, which is the same amount of time as a senator's term This election will be an important one for Social Security's future. The dire warnings that Social Security is running out of money have been blaring for so long that they have started to sound like white noise. But the program's day of reckoning is approaching quickly, just as a new Congress is set to be elected. The candidates elected to the Senate on Nov.
Is it curtains for COLA? Saving Social Security could mean changing the cost-of-living adjustment.
By Alessandra Malito Several proposals consider changing the way retirees receive inflation protection. Here's what it could cost you. Many Americans rely on the cost-of-living adjustment, but altering it might be one provision in a package to fix the program's insolvency issue. For U.S. workers, Social Security is a cherished benefit. It's guaranteed lifetime income that adjusts every year to keep up with inflation.
Social Security’s fate — and your benefits — are in the hands of the candidates elected this year
This isn't the first time Social Security has come dangerously close to insolvency. Legislators waited until the last minute to pass the Social Security Amendments of 1983, a package of provisions to stop the program from running out of money, including increasing its prescribed full retirement age from 65 to 67 through a long and phased process, implementing a tax on up to 50% of Social Security benefits, and delaying the cost-of-living adjustment by six months.
Is it curtains for COLA? Saving Social Security could mean changing the cost-of-living adjustment.
By Alessandra Malito Several proposals consider changing the way retirees receive inflation protection. Here's what it could cost you. Many Americans rely on the cost-of-living adjustment, but altering it might be one provision in a package to fix the program's insolvency issue. For U.S. workers, Social Security is a cherished benefit. It's guaranteed lifetime income that adjusts every year to keep up with inflation.
The midterms are crucial to the future of Social Security - no matter how old you are
By Alessandra Malito The program is expected to run out of money in the next six years, which is the same amount of time as a senator's term This election will be an important one for Social Security's future. The dire warnings that Social Security is running out of money have been blaring for so long, they have started to sound like white noise. But the program's day of reckoning is approaching quickly, right as newly elected officials take their seats in Congress.
The midterms are crucial to the future of Social Security – no matter how old you are
The midterms are crucial to the future of Social Security – no matter how old you are
The midterms are crucial to the future of Social Security - no matter how old you are
By Alessandra Malito The program is expected to run out of money in the next six years, which is the same amount of time as a senator's term This election will be an important one for Social Security's future. The dire warnings that Social Security is running out of money have been blaring for so long, they have started to sound like white noise. But the program's day of reckoning is approaching quickly, right as newly elected officials take their seats in Congress.
Saving Social Security May Mean Ending the COLA
Saving Social Security May Mean Ending the COLA For U.S. workers, Social Security is a cherished benefit. It’s guaranteed lifetime income that adjusts every year to keep up with inflation.
Is it curtains for COLA? Saving Social Security could mean changing the cost-of-living adjustment.
For U.S. workers, Social Security is a cherished benefit. It's guaranteed lifetime income that adjusts every year to keep up with inflation. That yearly cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is crucial because it allows older Americans to retain their purchasing power. But with Social Security facing insolvency in the next six years, the way in which recipients receive that perk may change substantially. The COLA will be in 2027, up from 2.8% this year.
Is it curtains for COLA? Saving Social Security could mean changing the cost-of-living adjustment.
My husband wants to sell our $1.5 million home and invest the proceeds. But this is where we raised our kids — and I can’t bear to leave.
Is it curtains for COLA? Saving Social Security could mean changing the cost-of-living adjustment.
By Alessandra Malito Several proposals consider changing the way retirees receive inflation protection. Here's what it could cost you. Many Americans rely on the cost-of-living adjustment, but altering it might be one provision in a package to fix the program's insolvency issue. For U.S. workers, Social Security is a cherished benefit. It's guaranteed lifetime income that adjusts every year to keep up with inflation.
The Social Security Administration corrected millions of records, and says there’s more to fix
In an effort to thwart fraud, the Social Security Administration said it has fixed millions of records and is working on correcting millions more.
Did this year's COLA beat inflation? Here's how spending by American seniors stacks up so far in 2026.
By Alessandra Malito The cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 will be 3.6%, which will give Social Security recipients an average of $75 more per month Costs in some categories have outpaced the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security in 2026. Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment is intended to help seniors pay for their everyday expenses, such as housing, transportation and healthcare.
Did this year's COLA beat inflation? Here's how spending by American seniors stacks up so far in 2026.
By Alessandra Malito The cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 will be 3.6%, which will give Social Security recipients an average of $75 more per month Costs in some categories have outpaced the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security in 2026. Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment is intended to help seniors pay for their everyday expenses, such as housing, transportation and healthcare.
Medicare open enrollment is here. What to know about deadlines, options and more.
My wife says we can’t afford to retire. I vetoed her $8,000 trip to Italy. We’re in our 60s and have $4 million. Do I keep working?
Medicare open enrollment is here. What to know about deadlines, options and more.
By Alessandra Malito The open-enrollment period goes from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 Medicare open enrollment allows beneficiaries to review their health-insurance coverage and make changes. Medicare's open-enrollment period officially starts on Thursday, allowing beneficiaries to adjust their health insurance plans or find new options altogether. The open-enrollment period is an important time for all beneficiaries, even those satisfied with their insurance plans.
Did this year’s COLA beat inflation? Here’s how spending by American seniors stacks up so far in 2026.
I’m 74 with $1.6M saved in an IRA and Roth IRA, plus a pension and Social Security. How do I deal with my money tax efficiently?
Did this year's COLA beat inflation? Here's how spending by American seniors stacks up so far in 2026.
By Alessandra Malito The cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 will be 3.6%, which will give Social Security recipients an average of $75 more per month Costs in some categories have outpaced the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security in 2026. Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment is intended to help seniors pay for their everyday expenses, such as housing, transportation and healthcare.
These unpopular solutions could rescue Social Security's finances. Here's who could pay the most.
By Alessandra Malito Social Security is projected to become insolvent in six years. These are some of the creative solutions that are on the table, beyond raising payroll taxes. There are many avenues to raise funds for Social Security. As policymakers scramble for solutions to shore up Social Security's finances, some are looking to the tax system to find new sources of revenue for the program. The proposals from lawmakers come as Social Security is hurtling toward a crisis.
Raising taxes on investments, estates and benefits could keep Social Security from running out of money. Here's who could pay the most.
By Alessandra Malito Social Security is projected to become insolvent in six years. These are some of the creative solutions that are on the table, beyond raising payroll taxes. There are many avenues to raise funds for Social Security. As policymakers scramble for solutions to shore up Social Security's finances, some are looking to the tax system to find new sources of revenue for the program. The proposals from lawmakers come as Social Security is hurtling toward a crisis.
Taxing stocks, estates and employee benefits could keep Social Security from running out of money. Here's who could pay the most.
As policymakers scramble for solutions to shore up Social Security's finances, some are looking to the tax system to find new sources of revenue for the program. The proposals from lawmakers come as Social Security is hurtling toward a crisis. The program could become insolvent in as few as six years, which would mean benefit cuts of at least 20% for current and future beneficiaries.
Taxing stocks, estates and employee benefits could keep Social Security from running out of money. Here's who could pay the most.
By Alessandra Malito Social Security is projected to become insolvent in six years. These are some of the creative solutions that are on the table, beyond raising payroll taxes. There are many avenues to raise funds for Social Security. As policymakers scramble for solutions to shore up Social Security's finances, some are looking to the tax system to find new sources of revenue for the program. The proposals from lawmakers come as Social Security is hurtling toward a crisis.
Taxing stocks, estates and employee benefits could keep Social Security from running out of money. Here’s who could pay the most.
‘I have no children’: My aunt gave me $50,000 for a down payment. She wants me to leave my home to her two children.
Taxing stocks, estates and employee benefits could keep Social Security from running out of money. Here's who could pay the most.
By Alessandra Malito Social Security is projected to become insolvent in six years. These are some of the creative solutions that are on the table, beyond raising payroll taxes. There are many avenues to raise funds for Social Security. As policymakers scramble for solutions to shore up Social Security's finances, some are looking to the tax system to find new sources of revenue for the program. The proposals from lawmakers come as Social Security is hurtling toward a crisis.
Taxing stocks, estates and employee benefits could keep Social Security from running out of money. Here’s who could pay the most.
One tax change that isn't being seriously considered by policymakers is to increase the percentage of the payroll tax that provides most of the revenue for the program. Currently, workers and employers each contribute 6.2%, while self-employed workers pay the entire 12.4%. The payroll-tax rate has been increased before: When the first payroll taxes were collected for Social Security in 1937, the rate was 2%, evenly split between employee and employer.
I made $500,000 from a stock sale in my IRA. Could this change my retirement?
These companies look set to face high-profile hearings and other scrutiny if Democrats win the House
I made $500,000 from a stock sale in my IRA. Could this change my retirement?
Ask yourself what the money needs to do for you, said Eustache Clerveaux, a certified financial planner and partner at Fidare Wealth Solutions. "If the stock represented a large share of their portfolio, the sale creates an opportunity to diversify.
I made $500,000 from a stock sale in my IRA. Could this change my retirement?
By Alessandra Malito Diversification and tax planning go hand-in-hand A large profit from a stock sale within an IRA shouldn't be treated separately from the rest of the portfolio balance. (Photo subjects are models.) Dear Help Me Retire, My question is short and sweet: What do I do with an extra $500,000 in my IRA? The money came from the recent sale of a stock. Stock Seller Dear Stock Seller, I understand why you would wonder what to do with that $500,000. That's a large sum of money.
I'm afraid of 'starving to death.' Social Security stopped our checks due to a hacked bank account. What can we do?
By Alessandra Malito 'We are relying on our church for our current needs' "The bank returned our last two checks to the Social Security Administration, leaving us with no income to buy food or make our house payments." (Photo subjects are models.) Dear Help Me Retire, My husband and I had been receiving our Social Security benefits by direct deposit until our checking account was hacked several times earlier this year.
Social Security stopped our checks due to a hacked bank account. We're relying on our church for help. What can we do?
Dear Help Me Retire, My husband and I had been receiving our Social Security benefits by direct deposit until our checking account was hacked several times earlier this year. The bank replaced the account several times and has now told us it is discontinuing checking-account services for us. To receive the funds from our last checking account, we had to wait 15 days for a cashier's check to arrive by mail.
Social Security stopped our checks due to a hacked bank account. We’re relying on our church for help. What can we do?
‘I don’t begrudge them their money’: My husband and I have friends who spend, spend, spend. How do we keep up?
Social Security stopped our checks due to a hacked bank account. We're relying on our church for help. What can we do?
By Alessandra Malito 'We are relying on our church for our current needs' "The bank returned our last two checks to the Social Security Administration, leaving us with no income to buy food or make our house payments." (Photo subjects are models.) Dear Help Me Retire, My husband and I had been receiving our Social Security benefits by direct deposit until our checking account was hacked several times earlier this year.
I'm 68. Should I spend half my 401(k) to buy a home with a mortgage?
By Alessandra Malito There's a long checklist when deciding where to live, especially in your retirement years Dear Help Me Retire, I'm 68 and collecting my deceased husband's Social Security benefits. I intend to file for my own benefits at age 70. Should I purchase a $635,000 home with half of my 401(k) funds and hold a mortgage for the other half of the total amount?
I'm 68. Should I spend half my 401(k) to buy a home with a mortgage?
By Alessandra Malito There's a long checklist when deciding where to live, especially in your retirement years Dear Help Me Retire, I'm 68 and collecting my deceased husband's Social Security benefits. I intend to file for my own benefits at age 70. Should I purchase a $635,000 home with half of my 401(k) funds and hold a mortgage for the other half of the total amount?
I’m 68. Should I spend half my 401(k) to buy a home with a mortgage?
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I'm 68. Should I spend half my 401(k) to buy a home with a mortgage?
By Alessandra Malito There's a long checklist when deciding where to live, especially in your retirement years Dear Help Me Retire, I'm 68 and collecting my deceased husband's Social Security benefits. I intend to file for my own benefits at age 70. Should I purchase a $635,000 home with half of my 401(k) funds and hold a mortgage for the other half of the total amount?
Raising Social Security Retirement Age: Political Dynamite
Young Americans are already skeptical that they’ll actually receive full benefits from Social Security when it comes time for them to retire, even after decades of paying into the system. One widely touted proposal to shore up the program’s finances could make that fear a reality — or at least change how and when they can claim their benefits.
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