Pocket Democracy

Your Complete Guide to 2026 Social Security Changes: Payment Dates, COLA Increase, and Key Updates What You Need to Know First For the over  70 million Americans  who receive Social Security benefits, 2026 brings a  2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) , slightly higher than 2025's increase. The average retiree will see their check grow by about  $56 per month . However, this financial boost will be partially offset by a significant rise in Medicare Part B premiums. The first increased payments will arrive starting  December 31, 2025, for SSI recipients , with most Social Security beneficiaries seeing the change in their  January 2026 checks . Beyond the COLA, critical changes to earnings limits, taxable maximums, and a new tax deduction for seniors will impact your finances. Key Dates: When to Expect Your Increased 2026 Payments The schedule for increased payments depends on the type of benefit you receive and your birth date. Mark your calendar with thes...

CME Margin Hikes Trigger Gold and Silver Sell-Off: A 2025 Rally Meets a Volatile End Gold and silver prices experienced significant declines at the close of 2025, ending a historic annual rally with a bout of volatility. The immediate catalyst was a  second consecutive margin requirement increase  by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group), forcing leveraged traders to provide more cash for their positions. This technical adjustment triggered  widespread profit-taking  and some forced liquidations, pushing spot silver down as much as 5.6% and gold lower. Despite the year-end pullback, both metals concluded one of their  strongest years in decades , with gold gaining over 64% and silver soaring nearly 150% in 2025. This article analyzes the mechanics behind the sell-off, the powerful fundamentals that drove the 2025 rally, and what investors can expect as markets enter 2026. Understanding the Sell-Off: The Mechanics of Margin Hikes To comprehend why a routine...