Military retirees and veterans with disability ratings received a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment at the start of 2026, up from 2.5% in 2025. Retired pay, VA disability compensation, and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities all received the increase. 

A COLA bump is also a natural trigger to revisit your financial plan and make sure your income is structured as efficiently as possible. Here’s what’s worth looking at.

Are you approaching or reached a million dollars in your employer retirement account?  Congratulations!  More than likely, your retirement goal is now funded.  If the entire account is allocated to pretax retirement savings, it’s time to speak with an advisor to do some tax planning.  There are several strategies that can be utilized to reduce the income taxes you will pay over your lifetime.