
<p>Retirement insights from a Colorado PERA perspective</p>



<p></p>


A distant view shows a mountainous landscape with sloping peaks, green trees in the foreground, and a cloudy sky above.


<h2 class="wp-block-heading h5"><a href="https://www.newsweek.com/new-study-challenges-the-most-popular-myth-about-aging-11632735" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>New Study Challenges the Most Popular Myth About Aging | Newsweek</strong></a></h2>



<p>It’s a commonly held belief that declines in physical and mental abilities are a natural part of aging, but new research is challenging that notion. According to researchers at Yale University, improving with age is common and mindset may have a lot to do with it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading h5"><a href="https://www.cpr.org/2026/03/12/state-budget-medicaid-cuts-caregivers-disability-services/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="broken_link"><strong>Impact of State Budget Cuts Gets Real as Lawmakers Start Trimming Medicaid Programs | CPR News</strong></a></h2>



<p>Medicaid spending is on the chopping block as legislators work to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the State budget. The Joint Budget Committee is recommending cuts to caregiver hours and some services, since Medicaid is a large and growing portion of the budget. The full legislature will have to approve any cuts to Medicaid or other services.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading h5"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-scams-robocalls-protect-fraud-8e41d082dcdfd4648a2082a3464d1871" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Tax Scams Are on the Rise. Here’s What to Know. | The Associated Press</strong></a></h2>



<p>The Internal Revenue Service says it’s seen an increase in scam activity this tax season. The scammers often use threatening phone calls, emails, and text messages to trick people into providing personal information. Officials say scammers are also increasingly using artificial intelligence to try to fool their victims.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading h5"><a href="https://401kspecialistmag.com/average-retirement-savings-by-state-2026/?amp=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>15 States with Most, 5 States with Least Retirement Savings | 401k Specialist</strong></a></h2>



<p>Colorado is doing better than a lot of other states when it comes to setting aside money for retirement. According to a new ranking from SmartAsset, Colorado tied with California and Ohio for 10<sup>th</sup> place overall, with median savings of $100,000 in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s. The analysis didn’t include defined benefit plans or Social Security benefits.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Study Challenges Beliefs About Healthy Aging


<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-hopes-to-boost-retirement-savings-for-private-sector-workers-2026-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>How Relief for the 40 Million Americans Without a Retirement Account Could Work | Business Insider</strong></a></h2>



<p>President Trump announced a plan to provide retirement savings accounts for Americans who don’t have access to a retirement plan through work. The accounts are expected to function similarly to the Thrift Savings Plan available to federal government workers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/27/average-irs-tax-refund.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Average IRS Tax Refund is Up 10.2%, Based on Early Filing Data | CNBC</strong></a></h2>



<p>Tax season is well underway with millions of Americans already filing their annual tax returns. Many taxpayers are receiving larger refunds this year, according to the IRS, with the average refund coming out to $3,804 for individual filers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/work-career-aging-caregiver-benefits-1f287e40a206e1a7f0012b5146b81713" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>As the US Population Ages, More Employees are Seeking Caregiver Benefits at Work | The Associated Press</strong></a></h2>



<p>Caring for an aging parent or other family member is a challenge many American workers face, and it’s starting to influence workplace benefits. Some employers are starting to offer paid time off for caregiving, allowing employees to handle family responsibilities without having to use other types of leave or take unpaid absences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/retirement-myths-how-to-plan-for-the-reality" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>5 Retirement Myths to Leave Behind (and How to Start Planning for the Reality) | Kiplinger</strong></a></h2>



<p>If you’re nearing retirement, you may be starting to envision what your life—and your expenses—will look like after you stop working full-time. A professional financial adviser shares some common misconceptions about retirement-related topics such as taxes and budgeting.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: How New Retirement Accounts With Federal Match Would Work


<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/13/colorado-legislature-2026-budget-problem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado Lawmakers Return to Capitol Facing $850 Million Mountain of Tough Budget Decisions | The Colorado Sun</strong></a></h2>



<p>The State budget is once again front and center as the 2026 legislative session gets underway. Lawmakers are facing the prospect of cutting approximately $850 million in spending to pass a balanced budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/08/irs-accepting-tax-returns.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>When Does the IRS Start Accepting Tax Returns? Jan. 26 | CNBC</strong></a></h2>



<p>Tax season is nearly upon us—the Internal Revenue Service announced it will begin accepting individual tax returns on January 26. Some taxpayers could see bigger refunds this year due to various changes included in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The deadline to file is April 15 for most taxpayers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/retirement/obscure-terms-to-know/"><strong>5 Obscure Retirement Terms You Should Know |AARP</strong></a></h2>



<p>How well do you know retirement terminology? Take this short quiz from AARP to test your knowledge and learn about important topics like required minimum distributions and longevity risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.napa-net.org/news/2026/1/young-retirement-savers-are-doing-what-older-savers-wish-they-had" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Why Young Retirement Savers Are Beating Older Generations | National Association of Plan Advisors</strong></a></h2>



<p>A new survey found younger generations seem to be heeding advice to save money for retirement early in their careers. Compared to Generation X and Baby Boomers, Generation Z and Millennials are contributing to workplace retirement plans earlier, monitoring their progress, and planning for market volatility, according to the survey from Nationwide Retirement.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Colorado Lawmakers Facing $850 Million Budget Gap


<p>As the year wraps up, we’re taking a look back at the articles that captured the attention of <em>PERA On The Issues</em> readers in 2025. Here are our most-read articles of the year.</p>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">1. Congress passes Social Security Fairness Act and repeals WEP and GPO</h2>



<p>Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) have long been topics of interest to <em>PERA On The Issues</em> readers. It’s no surprise that news about Congress passing the Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed both WEP and GPO, drew a great deal of attention. Our articles on the <a href="https://copera.org/pera-on-the-issues/president-biden-signs-wep-gpo-repeal-bill-into-law" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bill’s signing</a>, initial estimates that the bill <a href="https://copera.org/pera-on-the-issues/social-security-fairness-act-rollout-could-take-a-year-or-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">would take a year or more to implement</a>, and then the announcement that the Social Security Administration was <a href="https://copera.org/pera-on-the-issues/social-security-administration-expediting-benefit-processing-for-those-affected-by-wep-gpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expediting benefit processing</a> together accounted for more than a quarter of all visits to the blog this year.</p>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">2. IRS updates contribution limits and other tax provisions for 2026</h2>



<p>With 2025 winding down, many people are already looking ahead to 2026 and making financial preparations for the new year. Our article <a href="https://www.copera.org/pera-on-the-issues/irs-releases-2026-tax-brackets-contribution-limits-other-tax-updates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highlighting inflation adjustments</a> for retirement plan contribution limits, health savings accounts, tax brackets, and other tax provisions quickly became one of our most-read articles of the year.</p>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">3. Lawmakers propose and pass PERA-related legislation</h2>



<p>During the 2025 legislative session, state lawmakers introduced seven bills that pertained to Colorado PERA, and our article <a href="https://www.copera.org/pera-on-the-issues/2025-proposed-pera-related-legislation-status" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tracking those bills throughout the session</a> was the second most popular article of the year. Of those seven bills, <a href="https://www.copera.org/pera-on-the-issues/colorado-legislature-passes-four-pera-related-bills-in-2025-session" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">four passed and became law</a>.</p>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">4. New tax deduction for seniors included in federal legislation</h2>



<p>The tax and spending bill commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) included <a href="https://www.copera.org/pera-on-the-issues/news-you-should-know-how-the-new-6k-deduction-for-seniors-works" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a new tax deduction for older Americans</a> that takes effect for the 2025 tax year. The deduction—up to $6,000 per eligible taxpayer—applies to taxpayers who are 65 or older and begins to phase out for individuals with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000.</p>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">5. The OBBBA makes changes to health and food assistance programs</h2>



<p>In addition to the new senior tax credit, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act <a href="https://www.copera.org/pera-on-the-issues/what-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-means-for-retiree-health-care" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">made changes to federal assistance programs</a> like SNAP and Medicaid. In particular, the bill established stricter guidelines for who can qualify for assistance under those programs. It also changed some enrollment processes for people who shop for health insurance on their own instead of receiving coverage through an employer.</p>



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<p>We want to thank everyone who subscribes and reads&nbsp;<em>PERA On The Issues</em>. We appreciate your readership, and we look forward to helping you stay informed in the new year.</p>



<p>If you haven’t already, be sure to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.copera.org/pera-on-the-issues/subscribe">sign up for our biweekly newsletter</a>&nbsp;to stay in the loop in 2026.</p>


Year in Review: Our Top Articles of 2025


<p>The IRS recently announced adjustments to marginal tax rates, retirement plan contribution limits, and other provisions that will be helpful for financial planning in the new year.</p>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">2025 0BBBA updates</h2>



<p>While most of the changes below apply to tax year 2026, the federal tax and spending bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made some important changes that apply to tax year 2025.</p>



<p>Notably, the standard deduction for 2025 increased to $15,750 for single tax filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly.</p>



<p>The OBBBA also established <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-tax-deductions-for-working-americans-and-seniors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a new tax deduction for taxpayers who are at least 65 years old</a>. For tax years 2025 through 2028, eligible seniors can deduct an additional $6,000 from their taxable income. <a>The deduction phases out for individuals with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000.</a></p>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">2026 retirement plan contribution limits</h2>



<p>In the new year, employees <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-24500-for-2026-ira-limit-increases-to-7500" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will be able to set aside more money</a> in defined contribution retirement accounts such as 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans.</p>



<p>The maximum amount a person can contribute to those plans is $24,500 for 2026, an increase of $1,000 from 2025. The catch-up contribution limit for most employees who are 50 or older will increase to $8,000.</p>



<p>Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, workers who are 60, 61, 62, or 63 have a higher catch-up contribution limit. That limit remains unchanged for 2026 at $11,250.</p>



<p>For individual retirement accounts (IRAs), the annual contribution limit will increase to $7,500 in 2026 and the catch-up contribution limit will be $1,100.</p>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">2026 HSA/FSA contribution limits</h2>



<p>The amount of money workers can contribute to medical savings accounts also will increase in 2026.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>HSA:</strong>&nbsp;Individuals enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA) will be able to contribute up to $4,400, and those with family coverage will be able to save a maximum of $8,750.</li>



<li><strong>FSA:</strong>&nbsp;For workers who don’t have an HDHP with an HSA and instead use a flexible spending account (FSA), the maximum contribution for 2026 is $3,400. For plans that allow unused balances to roll over, the maximum amount that can be rolled over will increase to $680.</li>
</ul>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">2026 tax rates</h2>



<p>Below are updated marginal tax rates for single taxpayers and married couples filing jointly. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2026-including-amendments-from-the-one-big-beautiful-bill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the IRS website</a>&nbsp;for more tax tables and additional details.</p>



<p>Note that since these changes are for tax year 2026, they will generally apply to tax returns filed in 2027;&nbsp;<a href="https://copera.org/pera-on-the-issues/updated-tax-brackets-contribution-limits-and-more-to-know-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 tax rates</a>&nbsp;will apply to returns filed in 2026.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>37%</strong> for incomes over $640,600 ($768,700 for married couples filing jointly)</li>



<li><strong>35%</strong> for incomes over $256,225 ($512,450 for married couples filing jointly)</li>



<li><strong>32%</strong> for incomes over $201,775 ($403,550 for married couples filing jointly)</li>



<li><strong>24%</strong> for incomes over $105,700 ($211,400 for married couples filing jointly)</li>



<li><strong>22%</strong> for incomes over $50,400 ($100,800 for married couples filing jointly)</li>



<li><strong>12%</strong> for incomes over $12,400 ($24,800 for married couples filing jointly)</li>



<li><strong>10% </strong>for incomes of $12,400 or less ($24,800 for married couples filing jointly)</li>
</ul>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">2026 standard deduction</h2>



<p>The standard deduction for 2026 will increase to $16,100 for single tax filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly.</p>



<p>Taxpayers who are 65 or older can take an additional standard deduction, which is also adjusted for inflation. For tax year 2026, that amount is $2,050 for single taxpayers and $1,650 for married taxpayers or surviving spouses.</p>



<p>Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2026-including-amendments-from-the-one-big-beautiful-bill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the IRS website</a> for more information on these and other tax changes.</p>



<h2 style="color:#000000;" class="wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size">PERA benefits and taxes</h2>



<p>Colorado PERA benefits are subject to federal income tax, as well as applicable state and local taxes. PERA retirees who would like to update their tax withholding can do so by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.copera.org/member-login-registration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">logging in</a>&nbsp;to their secure member account or completing a paper Form W-4P.</p>



<p>Retirees and benefit recipients can expect to receive their 1099-R tax forms for tax year 2025 in January 2026.</p>



<p>Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.copera.org/taxes-on-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">copera.org/taxes-on-benefits</a>.</p>


IRS Releases 2026 Tax Brackets, Contribution Limits, Other Tax Updates


<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/05/amgen-lawsuit-prescription-drug-affordability-board-enbrel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Amgen Sues Colorado Prescription Drug Board Over Enbrel Price Cap | The Colorado Sun</strong></a></h2>



<p>The fight over Colorado’s first-ever price cap on a prescription drug continues. Amgen, the company that makes Enbrel, is suing over the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board’s decision to put an upper limit on the price of the rheumatoid arthritis drug. The case is expected to go to court next year, while the price cap is set to go into effect in 2027.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/irs-direct-file-year-means-taxpayers-127237706" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="broken_link"><strong>IRS Direct File Won&#8217;t be Available Next Year. Here&#8217;s What That Means for Taxpayers | ABC News</strong></a></h2>



<p>Tax season will be here before you know it, but taxpayers hoping to save money by filing directly with the IRS this time around are out of luck. Direct File started out as a test program in 2024 and the federal government had planned to make it permanent, but the IRS now says the service will no longer be available.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/curious-about-retirement-spending-heres-what-the-average-monthly-expenses-are-for-retirees-11832245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="broken_link"><strong>Curious About Retirement Spending? Here’s What The Average Monthly Expenses Are For Retirees | Investopedia</strong></a></h2>



<p>When preparing for retirement, it’s important to estimate not just your income but also how much you’ll spend. According to the most recent government data, Americans ages 65 and older spend about $60,000 a year, on average. Housing is the biggest expense for that age group, followed by transportation, health care, and food.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/cu-denver-program-helps-older-adults-find-purpose-after-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>CU Denver Program Helps Older Adults Find Purpose After Retirement | Denver7</strong></a></h2>



<p>Finding meaning after decades of working can be a challenge for many retirees. A relatively new adult education program at the University of Colorado Denver aims to help by providing pre-retirees and retirees with the opportunity to audit courses and connect with peers who are also seeking inspiration, meaning, and direction.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Drugmaker Suing Colorado Over Price Cap


<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.intuit.com/blog/global-stories/financial-literacy-ranking-by-state/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Financial Literacy by State: 2025 Rankings | Intuit</strong></a></h2>



<p>A new ranking puts Colorado in the middle of the pack when it comes to financial literacy among high schoolers. Intuit ranked states on factors such as required coursework, test scores, and youth employment rate, giving Colorado a score of 9.3 out of 18 possible points. It’s worth noting a new state law will require all Colorado high school students to take a financial literacy course in order to graduate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-teetering-recession-governors-budgeting-office/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado is Teetering on the Edge of a Recession, Governor&#8217;s Planning, Budgeting Director Says | CBS Colorado</strong></a></h2>



<p>State lawmakers will have to deal with yet another budget shortfall during next year’s legislative session. The latest forecasts show the state will once again have to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in spending, driven largely by increases in Medicaid costs. Lawmakers will get their next quarterly update in December, and the legislative session begins in January.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/17/federal-social-security-payments-electronic.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Social Security payments, federal benefits go electronic Sept. 30 | CNBC</strong></a></h2>



<p>Say “goodbye” to paper checks from the federal government. If you receive Social Security benefits, you’ll now have to be signed up for direct deposit to receive your benefit payments. The shift away from paper checks is intended to cut down on fraud while also saving the government money. The change will also apply to tax refunds and other federal payments going forward.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://money.com/taxes-in-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>You’re Retiring. Get Ready for These Tax Changes | Money</strong></a></h2>



<p>Retirement is more than just a change in employment—it also brings some important changes to your finances. Here are some important tax considerations to keep in mind if you’re approaching retirement and are expecting to draw from Social Security and other savings.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: New Report Ranks Colorado on Financial Literacy


<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/09/retirement-will-take-a-miracle.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Fewer People Think Retirement Will ‘Take a Miracle,’ Report Finds. But Inflation Worries Persist | CNBC</strong></a></h2>



<p>A recent survey found Americans are feeling more optimistic about retirement. The survey found that 21% of respondents felt like it would take “a miracle” to enjoy a secure retirement, down from more than 40% who said so in 2021. The survey also found generational differences in expected retirement age, with millennials planning to retire in their early 60s and baby boomers who are not yet retired expecting to work until 70.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.napa-net.org/news/2025/8/theyre-back--congress-returns-but-will-we-see-any-retirement-legislation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>They’re Back — Congress Returns, But Will We See Any Retirement Legislation? | National Association of Plan Advisors</strong></a></h2>



<p>Congressional lawmakers are back at work following the summer recess. There’s a long list of legislative issues to tackle, including federal spending. Here are some of the retirement-related issues that lawmakers might take up this session.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-assesses-162-million-in-penalties-over-false-tax-credit-claims-tied-to-social-media" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>IRS Assesses $162 Million in Penalties over False Tax Credit Claims Tied to Social Media | Internal Revenue Service</strong></a></h2>



<p>Be careful where you get your tax advice—the IRS says it’s collected $162 million in penalties from thousands of people who fell for fraudulent tax return tips on social media. Officials say they’ve seen a significant increase in fraudsters posing as experts online and encouraging people to claim tax credits they’re not actually eligible for.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/as-falling-deaths-rise-for-older-adults-how-home-safety-can-make-a-difference" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>As Falling Deaths Rise for Older Adults, How Home Safety Can Make a Difference | Denver7</strong></a></h2>



<p>Taking a fall can be increasingly dangerous as we age, and government statistics show an increase in fatal falls in recent years. Many of those falls happen at home, and a little bit of preventive maintenance to remove potential hazards can go a long way in making a home safer for its aging residents.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Americans More Optimistic About Retirement, Survey Finds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/30/colorado-big-beautiful-bill-state-budget-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado Lawmakers Must Cut $1 Billion from State’s Current Budget Because of GOP Federal Tax and Spending Bill | The Colorado Sun</strong></a></h2>



<p>The State of Colorado is once again facing the prospect of having to cut about $1 billion from the state budget. Lawmakers had to make a number of spending cuts during the annual budget-setting process, and now they’re looking at additional cuts due to reductions in federal spending. Gov. Jared Polis has called a special legislative session beginning Aug. 21 to tackle the issue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/federal-reserve-interest-rate-decision-july-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Federal Reserve Leaves Key Interest Rate Unchanged for Fifth Straight Meeting | Fox Business</strong></a></h2>



<p>The Federal Reserve has again opted to keep interest rates steady for now. Despite pressure from President Trump to lower rates, the central bank said the economy remains on solid footing and therefore changes in its key rate are not necessary at this time. The Fed’s next meeting to discuss interest rates will be in September.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/27/business/new-rules-charitable-deductions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>New Rules for How Much You Can Deduct in Charitable Contributions | CNN Business</strong></a></h2>



<p>Taxpayers who take the standard deduction were allowed to deduct a portion of charitable donations from their taxes during a temporary pandemic-era policy that has since expired. That deduction is returning in 2026, with taxpayers being allowed to deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers) in cash donations.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Colorado Facing Additional $1B in Budget Cuts


<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/what-to-know-new-tax-law-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>What to Know About the New $6,000 Tax Deduction | AARP</strong></a></h2>



<p>The recently passed tax and spending bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes a new tax deduction for older Americans. The deduction—up to $6,000 per eligible taxpayer—applies to taxpayers who are 65 or older with a modified adjusted gross income of less than $175,000 ($250,000 for married couples filing jointly). The deduction takes effect for the 2025 tax year and is set to expire after the 2028 tax year. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/17/colorado-health-insurance-prices-one-big-beautiful-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado Health Insurers Propose Huge Price Increases for 2026 | The Colorado Sun</strong></a></h2>



<p>Insurance carriers are asking the state to approve significant increases in plan premiums for people who buy health insurance on the individual marketplace. On average, insurers are proposing a 28.4% increase for 2026, but that percentage is even higher in more rural parts of the state. PERA staff are still working with carriers to finalize details for PERACare plans and we expect to have 2026 premium information available by October 1. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/18/trump-signs-stablecoin-bill-into-law-genius" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>GENIUS Act: Trump Signs Stablecoin Bill He Championed | Axios</strong></a></h2>



<p>President Donald Trump signed into law a landmark cryptocurrency bill that establishes a regulatory framework for stablecoins, which are a type of digital currency that’s tied to relatively stable assets like the U.S. dollar. Critics have argued the bill doesn’t include enough guardrails or consumer protections, while proponents say the new regulations will pave the way for cheaper, more efficient ways to move money. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size h5"><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/why-gen-z-believes-side-hustles-are-key-to-a-secure-retirement-11741168?hid=a526fec8f4710d579c898e2c1bdd1b7d2a8953bb&amp;did=18511613-20250710&amp;utm_campaign=investopedia-daily_newsletter&amp;utm_source=investopedia&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=071025&amp;lctg=a526fec8f4710d579c898e2c1bdd1b7d2a8953bb&amp;lr_input=3bcb2a6d7fb80db556175b41a2a4ef69629b1975a06f7b74c80b82739c223050&amp;utm_term=midday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="broken_link"><strong>Why Gen Z Believes Side Hustles Are Key to a Secure Retirement | Investopedia</strong></a></h2>



<p>Research has shown that younger generations are thinking seriously about retirement and taking action to boost their finances. Not only are members of Gen Z saving for retirement earlier than older generations, but many of them are picking up extra work. A recent survey found over half Gen Z workers have a so-called “side hustle” that helps them pay down debt, save for retirement, and meet other money goals.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


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