Insights & Financial News | Oak Road Journal

Insights

Empty leather wallet held open by two hands, symbolizing reduced income from claiming Social Security at age 62

How Much Do I Lose If I Take Social Security at 62?

Claiming Social Security at 62 cuts your check by 30% for life — but is that actually the wrong move? Fiduciary advisors break down the real numbers, and when early really does make sense.

Calculator, glasses, and financial charts with rising line graph, illustrating the word 'Benefits' — representing analysis of potential Social Security benefit cuts and retirement planning.

Are Our Social Security Benefits Going to Be Cut?

Are our Social Security benefits going to be cut? Yes—unless Congress acts, the trust fund runs dry in 2032. Here's what retirees need to know.

Financial advisor signing retirement tax planning documents, representing Big Beautiful Bill Social Security tax changes

What Does the Big Beautiful Bill Do for Social Security?

Wondering what the Big Beautiful Bill does for Social Security? It doesn't cut the tax directly — but a new senior deduction could still shrink your bill. Here's how it actually works.

Yellow 'Retirement Ahead' road sign in a rural field, symbolizing the decision of when to claim Social Security at 62, 67, or 70

Is It Better to Take Social Security at 62 or 67 or 70?

Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or 67 or 70? The honest answer: it depends. See the real trade-offs, break-even math, and how delaying can fit a Roth conversion strategy.

What Will Be the Social Security Increase in 2026?

What will be the Social Security increase in 2026? It's 2.8%. See the exact dollar impact, how COLA fights inflation, and why retirees still need stocks.

Social Security Benefits Application form with a pen, calculator, and glasses, representing how to calculate the highest possible Social Security payment per month

How Much Is the Highest Social Security Per Month?

How much is the highest Social Security per month in 2026? The max is $5,181 — but almost no one gets it. Oak Road Wealth Management breaks down the real numbers.

Social Security card with U.S. Capitol building, representing how Social Security works and federal retirement benefits

How Social Security Works: Benefits, Taxes & Timing

Confused about how Social Security works? See exactly how benefits are calculated, when to claim, spousal rules, and taxes — explained by a fiduciary advisor.

Roth IRA and 401(k) retirement account paperwork with a calculator and question mark note, representing the question: how can I avoid paying taxes on my retirement account

How Can I Avoid Paying Taxes on My Retirement Account?

Trying to avoid taxes on your retirement account? Learn why the real goal is lower lifetime taxes — through Roth conversions, QCDs, and smart capital gains planning.

Tax rate schedules highlighted on IRS tax table, illustrating federal tax brackets for retirement income

What Tax Rate Do You Pay in Retirement?

What tax rate do you pay in retirement? It depends on your income mix — here's how Roth withdrawals, Social Security, and pensions are actually taxed.