Social Security COLA 2027: What the 3.6% Raise Means for Your Monthly Budget
The Social Security COLA for 2027 is 3.6%, about $75 more a month for the average retiree. See the dollar math, when it arrives, and what can shrink it.
Budgeting Methods
How-to budgeting systems, templates, apps and paycheck-based plans.
36 articles in this category
Average Mortgage Payment: What Buyers Really Pay Each Month
The average mortgage payment for new buyers is about $2,160 a month in 2026. See what’s inside it, how it varies by state, and how to find your real number.
How Much Is an Eye Exam Without Insurance? (Plus Glasses and Contacts)
How much is an eye exam? About $100 without insurance at store optical centers, plus what glasses and contacts add, and why to use vision benefits by Dec 31.
ACA Open Enrollment: Key Dates, Subsidies, and How to Budget the Premium
ACA open enrollment runs Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027. See the real deadlines, what happened to the extra subsidies, the 400% income line, and how to budget.
Medicare Open Enrollment: Dates, What You Can Change, and What It Costs
Medicare open enrollment runs Oct 15 to Dec 7, 2026. See what you can change, the official Part B, Part A and Part D costs, and how to budget them monthly.
Average Grocery Bill Per Month (for 1, 2, and a Family of 4)
The average grocery bill per month is about $519 per US household, or $297 for one person and $760 for a family of 4 at 2026 prices. See where the money goes.
Average Car Maintenance Cost Per Year (and What to Set Aside Monthly)
The average car maintenance cost per year is about $1,755 for 15,000 miles, per AAA 2026. See what it covers, why repairs cost more, and what to save monthly.
How Much Is Pet Insurance? Average Monthly Cost for Dogs and Cats
How much is pet insurance? About $70 a month for a dog and $36 for a cat, per 2026 industry data. See what changes your quote and the break-even math.
How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost? Real Prices With and Without Insurance
How much does a dental cleaning cost? About $130 without insurance, or $290 with an exam and X-rays. See the full bill and why to book before benefits reset.
Average Home Insurance Cost: What Homeowners Really Pay, by State
The average home insurance cost is $1,737 a year, about $145 a month, per the newest NAIC data. See real numbers by state and coverage, and how to budget it.
Average Health Insurance Cost Per Month, Before Open Enrollment Starts
The average health insurance cost per month is $120 through work and $178 on the marketplace in 2026. Real KFF numbers, 2027 dates, and a budget plan.
Average Car Insurance Cost Per Month, and Why It Just Started Falling
The average car insurance cost per month is about $126 in 2026, and prices just fell 5.1%. See the real NAIC and BLS numbers, by state, plus how to budget it.