Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again.<\/strong>\u00a0In 2009, a “Double Down” signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia.\u00a0For the first time in years, that same “Total Conviction” signal is flashing for a company 1\/100th the size of Nvidia.\u00a0Continue \u00bb<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n Some retirees could be disappointed that the COLA could be lower than predicted earlier this year. However, if the latest forecasts prove accurate, it should be better news than a larger Social Security check next year. <\/p>\n Lower COLA projections mean that prices are rising more slowly than anticipated. The annual COLA is calculated using inflation numbers — specifically, an inflation metric called the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Professionals (CPI-W). <\/p>\n One key reason a shrinking COLA forecast is good news for retirees is the adage that “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Whatever the Social Security benefit increase will be for 2027, it won’t come until January. In the meantime, retirees must pay for any higher prices now. Money in your hands today is worth more than the same amount months in the future. <\/p>\n TSCL Executive Director Shannon Benton highlights this issue in a press release. She stated, “Frankly, it’s infuriating that seniors must wait for a COLA to catch up with prices that have already driven up their grocery bills, housing costs, healthcare expenses, and insurance premiums.” <\/p>\n However, there’s an even more important reason why retirees should be glad that the COLA projections are lower. Annual Social Security increases have historically failed to keep pace with the higher prices retirees face. <\/p>\n That’s because of a fundamental issue with the CPI-W. The metric wasn’t designed to reflect the spending of older Americans, especially healthcare costs in retirement.<\/a> <\/p>\n It’s not over ’til the BLS sings. <\/p>\n Although 2027 Social Security COLA forecasts have declined, they could easily rise again. Energy prices, in particular, remain highly volatile due to the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. war with Iran. If oil prices increase sharply in September, expect COLA projections to increase in lockstep. <\/p>\n Most importantly, though, the actual Social Security COLA percentage won’t be available until the September inflation numbers are finalized. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is scheduled to release its September inflation report on Oct. 14, 2026. Retirees won’t know for sure how much of a “raise” they will receive next year until then. <\/p>\n The\u00a0$23,760\u00a0Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook <\/p>\n If you’re like most Americans, you’re a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known\u00a0“Social Security secrets”<\/strong><\/a> could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more<\/strong>… each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we’re all after. <\/p>\n Many Americans leave money on the table in retirement. Learn more about these retirement strategies and more, available when you join Stock Advisor. <\/p>\n View the “Social Security secrets” \u00bb<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/a> Image source: Getty Images. Why a shrinking COLA forecast is good news <\/p>\n