| What to Know for Tuesday, March 24, 2026: | 1: Latest inflation report shows your Social Security COLA is already falling behind |  | (Image credit: Getty Images) |
| Housing and food outpacing your raise: Social Security recipients got a 2.8% COLA in January 2026, but shelter costs rose 3.0% over the past 12 months and food climbed at a similar pace — meaning retirees are falling behind in the spending categories that dominate their budgets. Oil shock not yet reflected in data: February's CPI was collected before the Iran war sent oil prices surging from $74 to nearly $98 per barrel — the March CPI report (due in April) will be the first to capture this energy shock, which filters into food delivery, heating bills, and transportation costs. COLA formula's structural flaw: The 2027 COLA will be calculated using only July-September 2026 CPI-W data — inflation from October through June never enters the calculation, meaning 9 months of price increases are ignored when determining your annual raise.
| ➜ Read the full article from AOL here. | | 2: BlackRock CEO: Social Security prevents poverty but "doesn't allow most Americans to build wealth" |  | (Image credit: Getty Images) |
| Current returns lag far behind market: Social Security's trust funds earned just 2.6% annual interest in 2025 from Treasury bonds, while the S&P 500 gained 16% and a 60/40 stock/bond portfolio was up nearly 15% — CEO Larry Fink argues a portion should be invested like pension plans for higher returns. Proposal: diversify like federal employee plans: Fink suggests introducing diversification similar to the federal Thrift Savings Plan (not "privatization") — Senators Cassidy and Kaine proposed creating a new $1.5 trillion fund invested in stocks and bonds to help cover the trust fund shortfall without cutting benefits. Critics warn of serious risks: While higher returns could help fix Social Security's finances, opponents say it exposes the program to market losses and poor performance — "Social Security has never missed a payment, even during the 2008 financial crisis," says Rep. John Larson, and the trust fund may run out in 2032 if Congress doesn't act.
| ➜ Read the full story from CNBC here. | | | 3: Trump Medicare director considering automatic enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans |  | (Image credit: STAT) |
| Major change from current system: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is considering automatically enrolling Medicare beneficiaries into Medicare Advantage plans or accountable care organizations instead of traditional Medicare — currently, people who don't make a choice are automatically covered by traditional Medicare. You could still opt out: Individuals would still be able to opt into a different insurance arrangement if they don't want the plan they're automatically assigned — but this shifts the default from traditional Medicare (which rarely requires prior authorization) to private Medicare Advantage plans. Benefits insurance companies: The idea, which was a plank of the conservative Project 2025 policy blueprint, could significantly benefit major health insurance companies by automatically funneling millions of beneficiaries into their private plans rather than keeping them in traditional Medicare.
| ➜ Read the full article from STAT News here. | | | Here's What You Missed on YouTube: | Check out our new YouTube videos for Tuesday, March 24th. | Why $400/Mo Is Disappearing From Your Social Security Check |  | Why $400/Mo Is Disappearing From Your Social Security Check |
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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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