Official resources
The government and regulator pages we rely on, in one place. Start here whenever you want to check a number yourself. These are links to other websites. We do not control them and we earn nothing from them.
Social Security
Your own numbers, straight from the agency that pays you.
- my Social Security account (SSA)
Free. See your benefit estimates at 62, full retirement age and 70, and your earnings record.
- SSA: Retirement benefits
How retirement benefits work, how to apply, and the claiming-age rules.
- SSA: Survivor benefits
Who qualifies and how much a surviving spouse receives.
- SSA: Cost-of-living adjustment information
Each year's increase and the other figures that change with it.
Taxes and retirement accounts
The rules behind the brackets, deductions and required withdrawals.
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32
The 2026 tax brackets and standard deductions.
- IRS: Roth IRAs
Official overview, including conversions.
- IRS: Required minimum distributions
When required withdrawals start and how they are figured.
- IRS Topic 423: Social Security benefits and taxes
How much of your Social Security can be taxable.
- IRS: Enhanced deduction for seniors
The extra $6,000 deduction for people 65 and older, 2025 to 2028.
Medicare
Premiums, plans and the income-based surcharge.
- Medicare.gov: What does Medicare cost?
Premiums, deductibles and the income-related surcharge.
- Medicare Plan Finder
Compare drug and health plans available where you live.
- SSA: Medicare premiums for higher-income beneficiaries
How the surcharge is set, and how to ask for a new decision after a life-changing event.
Mortgages and borrowing
Independent consumer help with home loans.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: mortgages
Plain-English guides on mortgages, refinancing and paying down a loan.
Check an adviser
Before you hand over money or sign anything, look the person up.
- Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (SEC)
Check whether an adviser or firm is registered, and see any disciplinary history.
- FINRA BrokerCheck
Look up brokers and brokerage firms, with their background and complaints.
- Investor.gov
The SEC's investor education site, including warning signs of fraud.
Scams and fraud
If something feels wrong, stop and report it. You are not alone and it is not your fault.
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report a scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Report online and cyber-enabled fraud.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline (DOJ)
Free help from the U.S. Department of Justice for people 60 and older who have been targeted. Call 1-833-372-8311.
- SSA Office of the Inspector General
Report Social Security scams and fraud.
- Eldercare Locator
Find local services for older adults through the U.S. Administration for Community Living.