| What to Know for Wednesday, March 25, 2026: | 1: Cap Social Security benefits at $100,000 annually for wealthiest couples |  | (Image credit: The Washington Post) |
| Highest earners now get six figures: Starting in 2026, the highest-income couples retiring at age 67 can receive over $100,000 in annual Social Security benefits — and these amounts will only increase over time as the benefits formula raises payments faster than inflation. One-third of benefits go to $100K+ earners: The proposed "Six Figure Limit" would cap annual benefits at $100,000 for couples — currently about one-third of all Social Security benefits go to retirees with incomes over $100,000, while typical maximum public pension benefits in other developed countries range from $30,000-$40,000 for couples. Reform goal: flat poverty-prevention benefit: Rather than raising the payroll tax cap (which would create one of the world's highest marginal tax rates), it's argued that following other countries' model — create a flat benefit to keep all seniors out of poverty with means-tested benefits on top, instead of the current system that spends over 5% of GDP (versus Canada at half that).
| ➜ Read the full article from the Washington Post here. | | | 2: Trump floats idea of gold Social Security cards after seeing Elvis's novelty version at Graceland |  | (Image credit: The Daily Beast) |
| Inspired by Elvis's gold card: During a tour of Graceland, President Trump saw Elvis Presley's gold-covered Social Security card (a novelty item from the mid-20th century) and said "maybe we should do that again" — but he didn't clarify whether he meant official government cards or just commemorative novelty items. Gold cards were never official: The guide explained that gold metal Social Security cards "were not officially issued by the government" but were popular novelty keepsakes in the mid-20th century because standard paper cards would wear out — they were typically made from brass or gold-colored aluminum. Fits Trump's gold aesthetic: The suggestion tracks with Trump's well-documented preference for gold-accented everything across his businesses and branding — in January, he gave Nicki Minaj a "Trump Gold Card" that officials later clarified was merely commemorative, not an actual immigration document.
| ➜ Read the full story from the Daily Beast here. | | 3: 20 states sue over anti-DEI conditions attached to SNAP and food stamp funding |  | (Image credit: Getty Images) |
| $74 billion in food assistance at risk: States receive over $74 billion annually from USDA for programs like SNAP (food stamps), WIC (nutrition for women, infants, and children), and school lunches — the Trump administration now requires states to certify they comply with "vague" anti-DEI conditions or risk losing this funding. Unclear what compliance means: The conditions ban using federal money to "promote gender ideology" or support "illegal immigration," and one USDA agency indicated states might have to eliminate diversity initiatives and remove references to transgender people from curricula — even if those programs don't violate federal law. States say conditions are coercive: Illinois AG Kwame Raoul says "USDA and the Trump administration are attempting to coerce and bully states into complying with their unlawful policies, all at the expense of our community's well-being" — 20 states and DC filed suit saying they "fundamentally do not understand" the conditions.
| ➜ Read the full article from Bloomberg Law News here. | | | Here's What You Missed on YouTube: | Check out our new YouTube videos for Wednesday, March 25th. | Who Gets a Social Security Payment TODAY? |  | Who Gets a Social Security Payment on March 25? |
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| | | The Retirement Navigator Podcast | Don't Wait Until It's a Crisis — Watch This First
🎙️ Episode #4 featuring Niki Gewirtz, Senior Living Expert from A Place for Mom | Senior living decisions are some of the hardest a family can face — especially when you're making them under pressure. | In this week's episode of Retirement Navigator, senior living expert Niki Gewirtz (20+ years in the industry) walks you through everything from recognizing when extra care is needed, to what it costs, to how to pay for it. | Clear, honest, and zero pressure. Whether it's for you or someone you love — this one is worth your time. 👇 Hit play now & be sure to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetirementNavigator |  | Episode 4: A Practical Guide to Senior Living Options, Costs, and Care Planning for Families |
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| | The Daily 3 Deal List—Week of March 23rd | | This newsletter is for information only. Always confirm your options directly with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or a qualified advisor before making big decisions about your benefits. | *View our Advertising Disclosure |
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