MYSTERIOUS: Irmaa - You Need To See This

$500,000 in a 401(k) and $100,000 in Cash: Spending the Wrong One First Can Raise Your Medicare Premium Two Years Later

A retiree with $500,000 in a 401(k) and another $100,000 sitting in cash has more than a simple spending choice. Taking money from the 401(k) can increase taxable income, and that income can affect Medicare premiums two years later.

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 27

6 Expenses That Can Suddenly Cost More After One Spouse Dies

Losing a spouse can transform a household budget in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Some expenses disappear, but the mortgage, property taxes, utilities, insurance, and...

Saving Advice · Aug 18

Why I Decided to Appeal My Medicare IRMAA Surcharge

I retired from full-time work early last year, but I'm still subject to the surcharge because of this rule.

Kiplinger · Jun 16

How to Enroll in Medicare Without Getting Hit With the IRMAA “Stealth Tax”

A single decision can quietly reshape retirement finances for years. Medicare enrollment looks simple on the surface, yet one overlooked detail can trigger higher premiums that feel completely out of left field. IRMAA, officially called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, doesn’t announce itself with flashing lights or bold warnings, but…

The Free Financial Advisor · Apr 4

Ask the Editor, March 13: Questions on Medicare Premiums and IRMAA

In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on monthly Medicare premiums, IRAA and tax-deductible medical expenses.

Kiplinger · Mar 13

Social Security Surprise: Why Some Retirees Are Seeing Smaller Net Payments

You opened your first Social Security statement of 2026 expecting a boost from the recent cost-of-living adjustment. Instead, you likely noticed that your net take-home pay is lower than last year. It feels like a bait-and-switch when the government promises a raise that never arrives. This isn’t a mistake in…

Budget and the Bees · Mar 12

8 “Life-Changing Events” That Can Lower IRMAA and What Proof You Need

If you’ve been hit with a Medicare IRMAA surcharge, you know how frustrating it feels to pay more for the same coverage. What many retirees...

Saving Advice · Mar 10

The Overlooked Link Between Social Security COLA and Medicare IRMAA Brackets

Most retirees celebrate the annual Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), but many don’t realize that even a modest increase can quietly push them into a...

Saving Advice · Feb 28

How One Extra Dollar of Income Can Cost You Thousands in Retirement

Even modest changes in retirement income can raise Medicare premiums under IRMAA. Here’s how a small increase can affect your retirement costs.

Kiplinger · Feb 22

Over 65? Here's What the New $6K Senior Tax Deduction Means for Medicare IRMAA

A new tax deduction for people over age 65 has some thinking about Medicare premiums and MAGI strategy.

Kiplinger · Feb 19