Five new retirement numbers to know in 2024

The new year has brought some new math for anyone running their retirement planning numbers.

Social Security checks are a bit higher this month, thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) - but higher Medicare Part B premiums will take a bite out of the increase. Meanwhile, new protections from high prescription drug out-of-pocket costs are in place, along with some new rules governing required minimum distributions from retirement accounts. And we have reached a milestone on the age when you can claim your full Social Security benefit.

In my latest Reuters column I take a look at five important retirement changes that take effect this month.

The long-term care challenge: A deep dive with Howard Gleckman

The Morningstar podcast recently spoke with Howard Gleckman, one of the nation’s top experts on long term care. Howard is the author of a book called Caring for Our Parents and an expert on the topic of aging and caregiving. His insights on the growing need for long term care in the U.S., the role of cognitive decline and the challenges we face funding care make this podcast a must-listen.

What I’m reading

Paxlovid cuts death risk, but those who need it are not taking it . . .COVID deaths were disproportionately concentrated among disabled people during the first 22 months of the pandemic . . . Health insurers must streamline prior authorization rules under new regulation . . . What to know about Bitcoin E.T.F. risks . . . .A daily multivitamin may slow memory loss . . . The role of longevity literacy in your retirement plan . . . The income gap jeopardizing retirement for millions . . . Senate confirms Martin O’Malley as new commissioner of the Social Security Administration . . . Buying home and auto insurance is getting tougher . . . What it’s like to retire only on Social Security . . . The case for eliminating subsidies for retirement saving plans to fix Social Security . . . Should you invest in cryptocurrencies?