Tariff stress, Medicare moves, and how to retire with purpose.

Wall Street may be focused on earnings season, but Main Street is feeling the pressure from a separate set of numbers: rising healthcare costs, shifting Social Security expectations, and the creeping impact of tariffs on everyday expenses.

For anyone thinking seriously about retirement, it’s a lot to take in.

That’s where we come in.

We’ve gathered five of the biggest financial stories worth knowing this week, whether you’re fine-tuning a retirement plan or just trying to make sense of how tariffs could impact your grocery bill.

And if you want advice fine-tuned to your financial situation, take this free 2-minute quiz to get matched with a vetted advisor who can help you plan with confidence.

—The Money Pickle Team

Should the Retirement Age Rise?

Social Security’s trust fund may only cover 80% of promised benefits by 2034, sparking fresh debate over raising the full retirement age. Supporters say it could help preserve the safety net. Critics warn it could disproportionately burden those in physically demanding or lower-income jobs. The last time Congress raised the age was in 1983.

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Tariffs Take a Toll

A new CNBC survey shows 73% of Americans feel financially stressed. The top concerns were inflation and interest rates, but two-thirds also cited tariffs as a factor. And with the policy poised to potentially push prices higher in the months ahead, consumers are already adjusting their spending, saving, and investing strategies.

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Social Security COLA May Shrink — Unless Inflation Spikes

Preliminary estimates suggest a 2.2% to 2.3% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, a dip from this year’s 2.5%. But if tariffs drive inflation higher, that could change. Retirees and pre-retirees alike should stay informed about how economic shifts can affect their benefits.

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Medicare Advantage Payouts Jump. So Do Costs

Medicare Advantage plans will receive some $25 billion more in federal payments next year. But rising hospital and service costs may cancel out any potential benefits for consumers. Whether this increase translates into more robust coverage remains to be seen.

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Experts Share Words of Wisdom

Christine Benz, author of How to Retire, appeared in the press to remind concerned 401(k) holders that a happy retirement depends as much on purpose and connection as it does on savings. Key themes? Explore what gives your days meaning, and don’t underestimate the power of community — especially as work-life fades.

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🥒 Pickle Tip:

Economic uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But thinking ahead, staying informed, and building a flexible plan are three of the best ways to stay confident in uncertain times.

🌟 Final Thought

From retirement planning to your daily grocery bill, this week’s stories show just how interconnected policy and personal finance can be. If any of these topics hit close to home, a quick chat with an advisor in the Money Pickle network might help clarify what’s next for you.

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