A survey of 1,015 Americans—22 percent of them 60 or older—found mixed feelings about where they stand financially, with nearly one in five feeling “bad” or “very bad” about their personal debt, savings, spending habits, and ability to pay their monthly bills. But some are also optimistic that their finances will improve this year.

This year’s 60-day session of the Washington Legislature included efforts to help older adults hold onto as much of their income as possible–paying for hospital visits, expanding senior property tax exemptions, the cost of long-term care, and helping digital users fend off online scams.

The Social Security Administration announced in January that the wage base for computing Social Security tax has increased to $147,000 for 2022 (up from $142,800 for 2021). Wages and self-employment income above this threshold aren’t subject to Social Security tax. That means that for wage earners making over $1 million this year, the payroll tax on
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While real estate values have surged in Pierce County, statutory limits on property tax rates are holding tax increases to modest levels in 2022, according to the county’s tax man. “In recent years, tax bills fluctuated due to the Legislature and local school districts responding to the McCleary court decision on school funding,” said Assessor-Treasurer
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