The 2025 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) came in at just 2.5%. That's well under the 3.2% retirees got last year and far less than what many were hoping for. The high inflation over the last few years has made it difficult for retirees to afford their basic expenses,

But when we look back at the data, it becomes clear that a 2.5% Social Security COLA isn't so terrible. In fact, it's a lot more generous than some of the COLAs beneficiaries have seen in the past. In 2024, Social Security benefits rose by 3.2%. The year prior, they increased by 8.7%. And in 2022, a 5.9% COLA came through.

A 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment increase will mean an extra $50 a month for most Social Security and SSI recipients.

The good news is that the earnings-test limits are going up in 2025 from $22,320 to $23,400. From there, $1 in Social Security benefits will be withheld per $2 of earnings.

Over 70 million Americans will see a 2.5% boost in Social Security benefits next year. Here's how to qualify for the maximum payout of $5,108.

With that as the backdrop, although I'm not retired yet, those days are on my radar. Here's what I'm planning to do, based on what I'm seeing now. Feel free to borrow my inflation-beating retirement strategies for yourself.

Social Security has been around for nearly nine decades, but the program has had a major overhaul since then. And now its gearing up for some big changes in 2025 that could affect millions of people.