1. Online scams have reached almost everyone
L.A. Times Article (opens in a new tab)
A new survey highlighted by the L.A. Times found about 73% of U.S. adults have experienced at least one online scam or attack, with 32% hit in just the last year. The latest tricks include bogus calendar invites, multi-factor authentication (MFA) “fatigue” prompts, and emails with malicious HTML attachments. Older adults aren’t the only targets—Gen Z through Gen X were actually more likely than 60+ adults to report losses in an earlier FTC review.
Action Steps:
- Remove auto-added calendar invites (Google/Outlook settings) so junk never lands on your calendar.
- Use code-based MFA (numbers in an app) instead of tap-to-approve push prompts.
- Never open unfamiliar .htm/.html attachments; go to the site directly instead.
- Turn on bank and credit alerts; consider freezes at the credit bureaus.
2. Are Boomers overspending on travel—or just buying comfort?
Kiplinger Article (opens in a new tab)
Kiplinger reports Boomers lead all generations in travel spending; 25% say they spend more than $6,000 per trip, versus 17% of millennials and 16% of Gen X. Millennials are far more likely to cap trips at $1,000 or less (32%)—a reminder that “value” often beats “luxury” in long retirement timelines. This means that longer, more comfortable, multi-generational trips add up fast—and can quietly stress a 20–30-year plan. Something to keep in mind...
Action Steps:
- Pre-price total trip cost per travel day (air, lodging, insurance, incidentals) and set a per-day cap.
- Use off-peak windows and loyalty points for big savings; book refundable options when possible.
- If you gift travel to kids/grandkids, set a clear budget upfront (housing you cover; extras they cover).
3. Healthcare costs: still climbing with age and by state
Kiplinger Article (opens in a new tab)
Another Kiplinger breakdown shows that average ACA Silver benchmark premiums climbed again in 2025, with costs hitting about $1,319 per month for a 60-year-old and $1,458 for those aged 64 and up. The national benchmark average now stands at $621—a roughly 7% year-over-year increase—but rates vary widely by state. For retirees, this means that health insurance premiums alone can rival a mortgage payment in some areas, even before factoring in co-pays, deductibles, and prescription costs.
And with adults aged 55 and older accounting for 56% of all U.S. health spending despite representing just 31% of the population, chronic conditions can quickly push total out-of-pocket expenses much higher.
Action Steps:
- If retiring pre-65, model ACA premiums and premium tax credits carefully; compare Silver vs. Gold after subsidies.
- At 65, optimize Medicare (Medigap vs. Advantage) based on your doctors, travel, and meds—don’t default.
- Build a healthcare “sinking fund” line item (premiums + average OOP) into your retirement budget.
4. Trump takes the next step toward putting alternatives in 401(k)s
Financial Times Article (opens in a new tab)
On August 7th, former President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing federal agencies to create a path for private equity, crypto, and other alternative assets to be included in 401(k) investment options. This is no longer just a talking point—policy wheels are turning. If your plan adds these investments in the coming years, they’ll likely appear inside target-date or “diversified” funds you already hold.
Action Steps:
- Read the summary prospectus if a fund adds an alternative sleeve—focus on fees, redemption terms, and valuation methods.
5. Social Security: 2033 still looms
Investopedia Article (opens in a new tab)
Investopedia recapped the latest worry: without changes, the trust fund is projected to be depleted by 2033, after which payroll taxes would cover about 77% of scheduled benefits. For many retirees, Social Security provides a large share of income. A benefit haircut is what current law implies if Congress does nothing. Planning with a reduced-benefit scenario is prudent.
Action Steps:
- Run your plan with –20% Social Security and verify you still meet spending needs.
- Consider delaying claiming (where health/longevity allow) to lock in higher checks.
- Strengthen non-SS income: in-plan Roth conversions, laddered CDs/Treasuries, dividends—balanced to your tax bracket and risk.
