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Social Security Tax Surprise This Season What Retirees Need to Know

Learn how retroactive Social Security payments and benefit increases can raise your taxable income with the IRS and even affect Medicare premiums. Learn practical tax planning steps and understand the latest Social Security tax updates so you can avoid surprises this filing season.

This update explains how Social Security taxes work when you receive retroactive payments or higher monthly benefits. Learn how the repeal of WEP and GPO under the Social Security Fairness Act can increase taxable income, affect Medicare premiums, and change your tax bracket. Understand how lump sum back pay is taxed in one year, how up to 85 percent of benefits may be taxable, and how IRS rules impact retirees. Explore how the senior bonus deduction, proposed tax fixes, and long term Social Security trust fund concerns fit into the bigger picture. This covers Social Security tax planning, retirement income strategy, and Medicare income rules so you can prepare with confidence.

Social Security Tax Surprise This Season What Retirees Need to Know

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Money Instructor does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. This material has been prepared for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or investment advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and investment advisors regarding your own financial situation. Although the information has been researched and vetted beforehand, it may not be current at the time of viewing. Please note, the context of financial investments can be complex and dynamic, necessitating professional advice tailored to your unique circumstances.

Investing and Financial Planning, Retirement, Taxes
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Partial Government Shutdown: Who’s Affected and What It Means for You

Learn how a partial DHS government shutdown affects travel, disaster response, and immigration enforcement. Learn what continues, what slows down, and how federal funding fights impact everyday Americans.

This update explains the partial government shutdown focused on the Department of Homeland Security and what it means for you. Learn how a DHS funding lapse affects TSA airport security, FEMA disaster response, Coast Guard operations, cybersecurity, and immigration enforcement. Understand why Congress and the President are divided over immigration policy and federal enforcement rules. Discover how essential federal workers can be required to work without pay during a shutdown, and how that impacts travel, public safety, and local economies. Explore the difference between a full government shutdown and a partial shutdown, and why DHS funding matters for national security, border patrol, and emergency preparedness. This breakdown helps you understand the real world impact beyond the headlines.

Partial Government Shutdown: Who’s Affected and What It Means for You

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Economy & Politics, Investing and Financial Planning
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IRS Tax Refund Delays 2026 – One Digit Could Freeze Your Refund

Why is my tax refund delayed? Learn how new IRS electronic payment rules in 2026 can delay your 2025 tax refund if your direct deposit information is incorrect. Learn what the CP53E notice means, why paper checks are ending, and how to protect your refund in 2026.

This update explains IRS tax refund delays, direct deposit errors, CP53E notices, and the end of paper refund checks under Executive Order 14247. You will learn how IRS electronic payments now work, why refunds can be frozen after a bank rejection, and how to update banking information using your IRS Online Account. It covers the 30 day deadline, refund hold timelines, and why paper checks are mostly phased out after September 30, 2025. You will also understand common routing number mistakes, refund processing times, fraud protection rules, IRS scam warnings, and steps to prevent refund delays during the 2026 tax filing season.

IRS Tax Refund Delays 2026 – One Digit Could Freeze Your Refund

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New 130-Page Housing Bill Passed — What It Means for Housing Costs (Explained Simply)

Learn what is inside the new 130-page housing bill passed by Congress and how it could affect housing costs and affordability. Learn how zoning reforms, FHA loan changes, environmental review updates, and housing supply policies may shape the future of home construction.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:18 What Just Passed?
0:51 Part 1: Federal Zoning Guidelines
2:04 Part 2: Pre-Approved Housing Designs
3:05 Part 3: Environmental Reviews
4:07 Part 4: Bigger FHA Loans
5:11 Part 5: Manufactured & Modular Housing
5:52 Part 6: Consumer Protections
6:29 What this Bill DOES NOT Do
7:06 What Happens Next?

This covers the new 130-page housing bill passed by Congress and explains what it means for housing costs and affordability. It breaks down key parts of the Housing for the 21st Century Act, including zoning changes, federal housing policy updates, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) multifamily loan limits, environmental review reform, manufactured and workforce housing, and new consumer provisions. It explains how the bill aims to increase housing supply, streamline regulations, modernize financing, and reduce construction delays. It also outlines what the bill does not do, such as lowering mortgage rates or capping rent. Viewers learn how housing policy changes could affect home building, local zoning control, development timelines, and long-term housing costs.

New 130-Page Housing Bill Passed — What It Means for Housing Costs (Explained Simply)

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Economy & Politics, Investing and Financial Planning, Law & Legal
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Americans Are Paying $1 Trillion in Interest – Why It Matters

Learn how the U.S. national debt and rising interest payments impact the federal budget, inflation, taxes, and long term economic stability. Learn what 1 trillion dollars in interest means for Social Security, Medicare, and your personal financial plan.

This update covers the U.S. national debt, rising federal deficits, and why interest payments are now over 1 trillion dollars. You will understand how the national debt near 39 trillion dollars compares to GDP, how higher interest rates increase borrowing costs, and why Social Security, Medicare, and federal spending play a role. It explains how tax revenue, tariffs, and government policy affect the federal budget. You will also learn how debt impacts inflation, interest rates, economic growth, and long term financial stability. This discussion connects national debt, federal deficit trends, and fiscal policy to your personal finances so you can better plan for taxes, retirement, and future economic risks.

Americans Are Paying $1 Trillion in Interest – Why It Matters

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Debt & Credit, Economics, Economy & Politics, Financial Planning, Investing and Financial Planning, Retirement
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Social Security February 2026 Payments $2,000 Check Update

Learn the February 2026 Social Security payment schedule, including SSI early deposits and birthday-based benefit dates. Learn what’s happening with the proposed 2000 dollar tariff rebate checks and how COLA, Medicare premiums, and earnings limits affect your monthly income.

This update covers the February 2026 Social Security payment schedule, including SSI early payments, birthday-based deposit dates, and important calendar shifts that can affect when benefits arrive. It explains how the 2.8 percent COLA and Medicare Part B premiums impact monthly checks, along with current 2026 earnings limits for those working while collecting benefits. It also breaks down the latest news on the proposed 2000 dollar tariff rebate checks, what has and has not been approved, and why budget planning should not rely on unconfirmed stimulus payments. This impacts retirees including SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), survivors, VA, and spousal benefits. Viewers learn how Social Security timing works, how early SSI deposits affect monthly budgeting, and what major policy discussions could shape benefits in 2026.

Social Security February 2026 Payments $2,000 Check Update

🆓Help finding a Medicare plan is ALWAYS FREE! Call 615-639-1937 for our Medicare partner, Chapter Medicare or click here

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If you need help with Medicare, please contact Medicare, your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), your current Medicare insurance agent/broker/plan, or feel free to contact my Medicare partner, Chapter, at 615-639-1937. Chapter: Memoir, Inc. d/b/a Chapter is a privately-owned, data and technology-enabled advisory that helps older Americans navigate retirement. Insurance agency services are provided by Chapter Advisory, LLC, a licensed health insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Memoir, Inc. In California, Chapter Advisory, LLC does business as Chapter Insurance Services (Lic. No. 6003691).
Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don’t directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Investing and Financial Planning, Retirement
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Tax Filing Deadlines 2026, Key Dates You Need to Know for 2025 Returns

Learn the key 2025 tax filing deadlines, IRS extension rules, and refund timelines so you can avoid penalties and late fees. Learn how to file early, track your refund, and stay organized for the 2026 tax season.

This guide covers the 2025 tax filing deadline, the April 15, 2026 IRS tax deadline, and how to request a tax extension. You’ll learn how federal tax deadlines work, how state tax deadlines may differ, and when the IRS begins accepting tax returns. It explains the tax refund timeline, how e filing with direct deposit speeds up refunds, and why paper returns take longer. You’ll also understand how penalties and interest apply if taxes are not paid on time, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay refunds. This is helpful for anyone preparing a 2025 tax return, tracking the IRS refund schedule 2026, or planning ahead for tax season.

Tax Filing Deadlines 2026, Key Dates You Need to Know for 2025 Returns

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Flu Cases Rising Across the U.S. – What You Need to Know Now

Learn how IRS tax refund timing works in 2026, including refund schedules, processing timelines, and payment delays. Learn what affects refund deposit timing and how to track refund status using official IRS tools.

In this update, learn how IRS refund timing works, including the 2026 tax refund schedule, refund processing timelines, and what controls when payments arrive. This covers how filing electronically versus paper filing affects refund speed, how direct deposit changes payment timing, and how IRS acceptance dates determine processing windows. It also explains Earned Income Tax Credit refund delays, Additional Child Tax Credit payment timing, and how IRS review checks and identity verification can affect refund deposits. Learn how to track refund status using the IRS Where’s My Refund tool, understand refund processing delays, and learn how IRS payment modernization and electronic refund changes may impact taxpayers during tax season.

Flu Cases Rising Across the U.S. – What You Need to Know Now

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Are Prescription Costs Finally Going Down? TrumpRx Explained

Learn how upcoming Social Security changes starting March 7 may affect how you get help, resolve issues, and access services. Learn what stays the same with your check and benefits and what to expect as the system shifts behind the scenes.

This update covers major Social Security changes starting March 7, focusing on how the Social Security Administration handles work, service requests, and beneficiary support. Topics include national workload management, changes to local field office operations, service access, phone wait times, online tools, staffing reductions, SSI complexity, disability claims processing, and what stays the same for monthly benefits. It explains how operational changes may affect help requests, case resolution, and in-person service while confirming no cuts to payments or eligibility. This content is helpful for retirees, disabled individuals, SSI recipients, and anyone relying on Social Security who wants to understand system changes, service expectations, and how to prepare during the transition.

Are Prescription Costs Finally Going Down? TrumpRx Explained

🆓Help finding a Medicare plan is ALWAYS FREE! Call 615-639-1937 for our Medicare partner, Chapter Medicare or click here

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Tax Refund Schedule 2026 – When You’ll Get Paid & How to Check IRS Status

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Tax Filers Are Getting IRS Messages — Here’s How Refunds Are Being Lost

Learn how IRS impersonation scams are causing tax refunds to be delayed, rerouted, or lost altogether. Learn how these scams work, what warning signs to watch for, and how to protect your refund and personal information.

This covers how IRS impersonation scams are affecting tax filers, especially through fake IRS messages, phone calls, texts, and emails during tax season. You’ll learn how scammers target people waiting on tax refunds, how refund delays, reroutes, and account freezes can happen, and why these scams often look routine instead of suspicious. The topics include how IRS scams work step by step, common warning signs, verification code traps, refund theft risks, identity theft concerns, and why fixing these problems can take months. It also explains how to protect yourself, what IRS contact rules really are, what the IRS will never ask for, and what actions to take immediately if you’ve been targeted. This focuses on prevention, refund protection, and avoiding costly tax-related mistakes.

Tax Filers Are Getting IRS Messages — Here’s How Refunds Are Being Lost

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Financial Planning, Investing and Financial Planning, Taxes
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Social Security Crisis Explained, What Data Exposure Means for You

The Social Security data breach national security disaster that a whistleblower exposed. DOJ confirms DOGE mishandled Social Security data during the Trump Administration. Learn how Social Security data is stored, why permanent records create long term risk, and how data security failures can impact your financial life and personal privacy.

This content covers major concerns surrounding Social Security data security, government data access, and long term financial risk. You learn how Social Security records are permanent, why data exposure creates lasting identity and financial threats, and how government efficiency efforts can collide with privacy safeguards. Topics include personal data protection, national security risks, trust in public institutions, identity theft prevention, and what everyday people can do to stay aware. The focus is on understanding how data misuse affects finances, benefits, credit, and personal security, while highlighting accountability, transparency, and vigilance in protecting sensitive information.

Social Security Crisis Explained, What Data Exposure Means for You

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