Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again.\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<\/a> <\/p>\n At this point, many seniors are eager to know what the 2027 COLA will amount to. And they won’t have to wait all that much longer, since an official announcement should arrive in mid-October. But later this week, seniors on Social Security<\/a> should get a key clue about their upcoming COLA they won’t want to miss. <\/p>\n A big piece of data should soon arrive <\/p>\n Social Security COLAs are based on third quarter data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). We already have numbers for July, but August’s reading is scheduled to be released on Sept. 11. <\/p>\n Once that data comes out, we can expect experts to update their Social Security COLA forecasts accordingly, or confirm whether their current projections remain valid. As of now, the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League, an advocacy group, expects 2027’s Social Security COLA to be 3.6%, while independent analyst Mary Johnson is calling for a 3.4% boost. <\/p>\n Have realistic expectations <\/p>\n If you’re on Social Security, you may be eager to find out what your 2027 raise will look like. But one thing you must realize is that your upcoming COLA probably won’t improve your financial situation all that much, even if that raise is fairly generous. <\/p>\n Any time there’s a larger COLA than average, it comes at the cost of higher inflation. So what you gain in the form of a more significant boost to your Social Security checks, you lose in the form of more expensive groceries, gas, and other essentials. <\/p>\n This doesn’t mean that the number isn’t important. But if you’re struggling to cover your costs across the board, don’t assume that a large COLA in 2027 will make your expenses easier to manage. You may want to take other steps to improve your situation, like reducing expenses to the most reasonable extent possible or pursuing some type of part-time work arrangement. <\/p>\n If you manage to earn a few hundred dollars a month, those wages will most likely put more money in your pocket than the upcoming COLA by far, thereby actually helping you better keep up with your bills. <\/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”<\/a> could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more… 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<\/a> <\/p>\n The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/a> Image source: Getty Images. <\/p>\n