This is very good news for a couple of reasons. First, ID.me is a sensible, easy-to-use verification system. Like the other comments note, I've used it for accessing IRS, TSA Precheck, and other federal data systems (especially as a former federal employee). Strongly recommend that you use the proprietary authenticator app that the system recommends. Much safer and easier to use than the text/email confirmation process. Second, the change suggests that the Treasury will continue to modernize the TD website. The archaic interface has been updated already. Will there be more to come? And, more substantively, will the Treasury update and increase our ability to purchase bonds in higher amounts? Hoping so.
And, now that you're on Medicare, your premium payments qualify as HSA eligible expenses down the road. Save the paper, and spend your money whenever you see fit - you've got documentation to justify withdrawals.
The consensus is right. Take your money and run - or roll it over - to a reputable brokerage IRA. Leaving your money in poor investment choices simply to avoid a doomsday result in unfilled litigation verges on paranoia. And the advice to get an umbrella policy is quite sensible. GEICO operates a marketplace to get policies from third party carriers. Ain't free, but ain't expensive. And it solves the (potential) problem of financial loss while giving you investment freedom. If there aren't vesting or employer match issues as discussed in the comments, this is surely a no-brainer - vote with your feet.
There are a lot of splashy daytime television ads for Medicare Advantage plans. You never see one for Medigap plans. It's sort of the same reason why you'll see a lot of marketing for fast food restaurants, but never for the Cauliflower-Broccoli Board. . . .
Mr. Quinn's advice is interesting, and potentially seismic. Every major financial writer (Jonathan, Christine Benz, etc.) says to consider SS payments as the only automatic inflation-adjusted investment available for most folks. Pensions, annuities, stocks, bonds (save for TIPS), cash - all have uncovered inflation risk. Social Security's inflation adjustment is fundamental to the retirement plans of most people. To take that out of a plan changes, well, everything. . . .
If SSA was able to adjust for inflation in realtime, that would ease the burden (or the perception of a burden) of inflation. But the COLA change occurs the following year. The inflated expense is out the door, and the inflated reimbursement comes a year later. The time lag between outflow and resolution weighs on people.
Agreed! I enjoyed the vibe at community watch parties, bars and restaurants, and having folks over at our house to watch the games. I went five matches at the Rose Bowl during the 1994 World Cup. I live 15 minutes from the venue in Los Angeles now - couldn't be bothered to go in person this year. Much more of a money grab now.
Helpful article. Of course, folks can quibble about the assumptions for the couples. For example, my pension will reduce to 50% benefit for my wife when I die. That lowers the income component significantly, but will also reduce the tax obligation - there's less to tax. Perhaps it's more appropriate to discuss the widow/widower's financial changes, not focus on the widow/widower tax.
Comments
This is very good news for a couple of reasons. First, ID.me is a sensible, easy-to-use verification system. Like the other comments note, I've used it for accessing IRS, TSA Precheck, and other federal data systems (especially as a former federal employee). Strongly recommend that you use the proprietary authenticator app that the system recommends. Much safer and easier to use than the text/email confirmation process. Second, the change suggests that the Treasury will continue to modernize the TD website. The archaic interface has been updated already. Will there be more to come? And, more substantively, will the Treasury update and increase our ability to purchase bonds in higher amounts? Hoping so.
Post: TreasuryDirect changing login procedure to mandate ID.me later in 2026
Link to comment from August 16, 2026
And, now that you're on Medicare, your premium payments qualify as HSA eligible expenses down the road. Save the paper, and spend your money whenever you see fit - you've got documentation to justify withdrawals.
Post: COBRA insurance: No need to fear the bite
Link to comment from August 15, 2026
The consensus is right. Take your money and run - or roll it over - to a reputable brokerage IRA. Leaving your money in poor investment choices simply to avoid a doomsday result in unfilled litigation verges on paranoia. And the advice to get an umbrella policy is quite sensible. GEICO operates a marketplace to get policies from third party carriers. Ain't free, but ain't expensive. And it solves the (potential) problem of financial loss while giving you investment freedom. If there aren't vesting or employer match issues as discussed in the comments, this is surely a no-brainer - vote with your feet.
Post: When your 401(k) excludes target date funds
Link to comment from August 15, 2026
There are a lot of splashy daytime television ads for Medicare Advantage plans. You never see one for Medigap plans. It's sort of the same reason why you'll see a lot of marketing for fast food restaurants, but never for the Cauliflower-Broccoli Board. . . .
Post: Medicare Advantage Part C — Not too soon to start planning for 2027
Link to comment from August 15, 2026
Mr. Quinn's advice is interesting, and potentially seismic. Every major financial writer (Jonathan, Christine Benz, etc.) says to consider SS payments as the only automatic inflation-adjusted investment available for most folks. Pensions, annuities, stocks, bonds (save for TIPS), cash - all have uncovered inflation risk. Social Security's inflation adjustment is fundamental to the retirement plans of most people. To take that out of a plan changes, well, everything. . . .
Post: Short term and long term Social Security planning
Link to comment from August 8, 2026
If SSA was able to adjust for inflation in realtime, that would ease the burden (or the perception of a burden) of inflation. But the COLA change occurs the following year. The inflated expense is out the door, and the inflated reimbursement comes a year later. The time lag between outflow and resolution weighs on people.
Post: Inflation, prices, COLAs, retirement and the last 16 years
Link to comment from August 1, 2026
Agreed! I enjoyed the vibe at community watch parties, bars and restaurants, and having folks over at our house to watch the games. I went five matches at the Rose Bowl during the 1994 World Cup. I live 15 minutes from the venue in Los Angeles now - couldn't be bothered to go in person this year. Much more of a money grab now.
Post: FIFA Financials
Link to comment from July 25, 2026
Helpful article. Of course, folks can quibble about the assumptions for the couples. For example, my pension will reduce to 50% benefit for my wife when I die. That lowers the income component significantly, but will also reduce the tax obligation - there's less to tax. Perhaps it's more appropriate to discuss the widow/widower's financial changes, not focus on the widow/widower tax.
Post: Widow Tax
Link to comment from July 25, 2026
Or, as noted financial journalist Jonathan Clements would say, don't attempt to time the market.
Post: Market Indicators
Link to comment from July 25, 2026
Got it. Eat well, drive safely, rob more banks!
Post: A Can of Worms
Link to comment from July 18, 2026