Social Security Changes Starting March 7 – What You Need to Know

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.

Social Security Changes Starting March 7 – What You Need to Know

🆓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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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.

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.

Categories Investing and Financial Planning, Retirement
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Where’s My Tax Refund? Still Waiting – 2026 IRS Status Update

Learn how long tax refunds take during the 2026 filing season and what affects IRS payment timing. Learn how to track your refund, avoid common delays, and understand why some payments arrive later than expected.

Where is my tax refund? This update covers tax refund timing for the 2026 filing season, including IRS processing rules, direct deposit timelines, paper filing delays, and refund tracking tools. It explains how filing methods affect refund speed, why some refunds are legally delayed, and how credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit impact payment timing. It also covers IRS refund status updates, banking delays after approval, common errors that slow refunds, and why the IRS is phasing out paper checks. Key topics include refund tracking, IRS timelines, tax season changes, refund delays, and steps to take if your refund hasn’t arrived. New for 2026 for 2025 tax filing.

Where’s My Tax Refund? Still Waiting – 2026 IRS Status Update

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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.

Categories Taxes
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The Fed Just Confirmed a Major Decision – Why It Matters for Your Money

Learn how the Fed’s pause in interest rate cuts, under Jerome Powell, affects savings, debt, and everyday money decisions as policy debates continue during the Trump administration. Learn practical ways to adjust your financial strategy during stable but higher-rate conditions and protect your money.

This update covers how Federal Reserve interest rate decisions affect everyday finances, including savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans. It explains why a pause in rate cuts matters, how inflation and economic growth influence policy, and why borrowing costs remain high. You’ll learn how to adjust financial planning during stable rate periods, where to find safer returns on cash, and why managing high-interest debt is critical. The focus is on calm decision-making, understanding economic signals, and using practical money strategies during uncertain times.

The Fed Just Confirmed a Major Decision – Why It Matters for Your Money

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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.

Categories Banking, Debt & Credit, Economics, Economy & Politics, Finance, Financial Planning, Investing and Financial Planning, Personal Finance, Retirement, Saving Money
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The Dollar Is Falling: What Trump Says and What It Means for Your Money

Learn why the U.S. dollar is falling, how President Trump’s comments influence markets, and what this shift could mean for prices, savings, and financial stability. Learn why banks, gold, and silver matter when confidence in the dollar is tested.
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 BREAKING NEWS: U.S. Dollar Falling
1:28 What the $ Falling Means
5:13 What YOU Can Do
7:39 Comment & Subscribe!
——
This explains key topics around the falling U.S. dollar and why it matters for everyday finances. You’ll learn what it means when the dollar loses value, how the U.S. Dollar Index is used, and why markets react quickly to political messaging. The topics include President Trump’s public comments on the dollar, how leadership signals affect investor confidence, and why markets may continue selling when a weaker dollar is seen as acceptable policy. You’ll also learn how a weaker dollar can affect prices, inflation, savings, and financial stability at home, why banks are carrying large unrealized losses, and why that matters for confidence in the system. The topics also cover gold and silver as signals of stress, why central banks buy metals, and practical ways people think about protection, diversification, debt, and stability during uncertainty.

The Dollar Is Falling: What Trump Says and What It Means for Your Money

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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.

Categories Banking, Debt & Credit, Economics, Economy & Politics, Finance, Financial Planning, Investing and Financial Planning, Personal Finance
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Trump’s Medicare Payment Change, What Seniors Should Know

Learn how Trump’s Medicare Advantage payment proposal works and why a small policy shift created big reactions across healthcare. Learn how Medicare spending decisions under Trump can affect coverage, benefits, and long-term costs for seniors.

This covers Medicare Advantage payment changes, federal Medicare spending policy, and how government decisions affect insurers, seniors, and healthcare costs. It explains how Medicare Advantage works, why payment rates matter, and how billing rules and risk adjustment influence coverage and benefits. The focus includes Medicare funding accuracy, taxpayer protection, insurer responses, benefit stability, and long-term impacts on senior healthcare choices. It also explores the balance between controlling costs and maintaining access, helping viewers understand how policy decisions shape Medicare coverage over time.

Trump’s Medicare Payment Change, What Seniors Should Know

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

Lesson Resource


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.

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.

Categories Economy & Politics, Health Insurance, Insurance, Investing and Financial Planning, Retirement
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Another Government Shutdown? Why January 30 Matters

Learn how President Donald Trump and Congress are approaching the January 30 funding deadline and why a government shutdown is still possible. Learn what a partial shutdown means, how Senate rules matter, and what services could be affected if talks fail.
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:30 What’s Happening Now
1:58 Partial Shutdown Explained
2:39 Early Service Impacts
4:06 Why This Shutdown Matters More
5:07 Time is Tight
5:38 Senate Math Problem
6:14 What This Means For You
7:36 What Happens Next
——
This covers the growing risk of a U.S. government shutdown tied to the January 30 funding deadline and President Donald Trump’s role in the current negotiations. You’ll learn how Congress funds the government, why only part of the government could shut down, and how Senate voting rules raise shutdown risks. The topics include the fight over Department of Homeland Security funding, how Trump’s priorities are shaping the debate, and why Democrats and Republicans remain at a standoff. It also explains what a partial shutdown really means, which federal services continue, which ones slow down, and how delays can affect daily life. You’ll also learn why timing, winter weather, and political pressure could make this shutdown last longer than expected.

Another Government Shutdown? Why January 30 Matters

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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.

Categories Economy & Politics, Investing and Financial Planning
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Tax Season Begins, New Tax Rules Could Mean a Bigger Refund

Learn how new IRS rules and tax law changes affect your refund, deductions, and filing process this tax season. Learn what’s different in 2026 and how these updates may impact your money.

This update covers major tax season changes for 2026, including new IRS rules, updated deductions, filing adjustments, refund increases, and how recent tax law changes affect everyday filers. Topics include standard deduction increases, child tax credit updates, senior deductions, tips and overtime tax rules, state and local tax limits, refund timing, direct deposit requirements, electronic filing, and IRS processing delays. It also explains why refunds may be higher, how withholding impacts outcomes, and what taxpayers should expect when filing this year. Designed for people seeking clear, simple guidance on federal income taxes, IRS updates, and filing season changes.

Tax Season Begins, New Tax Rules Could Mean a Bigger Refund

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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.

Categories Taxes
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$2,000 Tariff Refund Check? New Update on Trump’s Plan

Learn how Trump’s proposed $2,000 tariff refund check is connected to trade policy, government spending, and rising prices. Learn why timing, legal limits, and real-world costs matter before expecting any payment.

This update covers the $2,000 tariff refund proposal, how tariffs affect everyday prices, and why consumers often pay the real cost. You’ll learn how tariff revenue works, why direct payments face legal and congressional limits, and how court challenges could delay or change outcomes. The discussion explains timing uncertainty, budget concerns, and why refund promises do not always lead to lower prices. It also explores what this policy debate means for household budgeting, financial planning, and expectations around stimulus-style payments. The focus stays on clarity, realism, and understanding how government decisions connect to your daily costs.

$2,000 Tariff Refund Check? New Update on Trump’s Plan

Lesson Resource


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.

Categories Economy & Politics, Investing and Financial Planning
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House Passes $1.2 Trillion Spending Bill: What Actually Passed

Learn how the House passed a $1.2 trillion spending package and what Congress decided to fund to keep the government open. Learn why parts of the bill sparked controversy and how these decisions affect health care, housing, security, and everyday finances.
This breakdown explains how Congress passed a $1.2 trillion spending package and what it means in plain terms. You’ll learn how the House approved the final government funding bills to avoid a shutdown, how the spending was divided across defense, health care, education, housing, transportation, and homeland security, and why one part of the vote narrowly split Democrats. The explanation covers how ICE funding factored into the Homeland Security bill, what accountability measures were debated, and why that bill was voted on separately. You’ll also learn about a controversial amendment tied to vehicle safety technology, why it caused confusion online, and what the House actually voted on. The focus is on understanding the process, priorities, and real-world impact of federal spending decisions.

House Passes $1.2 Trillion Spending Bill: What Actually Passed

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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.

Categories Economy & Politics, Investing and Financial Planning
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Social Security Checks: February 2026 Payment Schedule Update and Key Dates

Learn how February Social Security and SSI payment dates work and why some deposits arrive early. Learn how benefit changes, Medicare premiums, system updates, and security issues can affect your monthly income.

This update covers February Social Security and SSI payment timing, including early deposits caused by weekend schedules. You learn how birthday-based payments work, how COLA increases interact with Medicare premiums, and why net payments may feel smaller. The update explains nationwide case processing changes, digital-first service shifts, data security concerns, and fraud prevention efforts. This impacts retirees including SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), survivors, VA, and spousal benefits. It also addresses benefit amount differences by retirement age, overpayment recovery rules, ongoing cost pressures, and why proposed rebate payments should not be counted on. The focus is on helping you understand payment timing, system changes, and financial planning risks connected to Social Security benefits.

Social Security Checks: February 2026 Payment Schedule Update and Key Dates

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

Lesson Resource


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.

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.

Categories Investing and Financial Planning, Retirement
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Social Security Data Leaked? Here’s What We Know So Far

Learn how Social Security data access and handling became a concern after a court filing revealed gaps in tracking sensitive information. Learn why officials’ statements, timing delays, and unanswered questions matter for beneficiaries who depend on the system.

This content explains concerns surrounding Social Security data access and handling, focusing on recent court filings, government admissions, and what they mean for beneficiaries. You’ll learn how Social Security information is stored and managed, why unauthorized access and data handling issues raise questions, and why officials say they cannot fully account for certain data activity. The discussion covers why personal information like names, birth dates, and addresses matter, how data issues often surface months or years later, and why uncertainty can be difficult for seniors who rely on a steady system. It also explores the balance between fraud prevention efforts and data protection, the role of oversight and safeguards, and what transparency Social Security beneficiaries should reasonably expect going forward.

Social Security Data Leaked? Here’s What We Know So Far

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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.

Categories Investing and Financial Planning, Retirement
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Congress Acts as Funding Bill Is Released Ahead of Deadline, Will It Pass?

Learn what the newly released funding bill includes, why Congress acted ahead of the shutdown deadline, and what could change if the bill passes. Learn how this proposal affects federal spending, public services, healthcare, and other key programs.

This update covers how Congress handles government funding, why shutdown deadlines matter, and how last minute budget deals affect everyday services. You’ll learn about federal spending priorities, how defense, healthcare, housing, and immigration funding decisions are made, and why compromise plays such a big role in Washington. It explains how shutdown threats impact workers, public trust, and the economy, and why full year funding bills differ from short term fixes. The discussion also touches on healthcare policy, oversight, and why budget fights keep returning. This helps you better understand how government funding works and why these moments matter beyond politics.

Congress Acts as Funding Bill Is Released Ahead of Deadline, Will It Pass?

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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.

Categories Economy & Politics, Health Insurance, Insurance
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