They say the beginning of wisdom is to call things as they are.

Complex programs like Social Security can be hard to grasp, even for highly intelligent seniors who have experience in finance, business, or other complex fields.

But one way to get a greater understanding of this program that most all seniors will depend on eventually is to refresh yourself on the terminology.

This list from InsuranceNewsNet covers some valuable terms, including one you’re bound to hear a lot here at NORA — COLA. While the term may get many people feeling thirsty at first, it represents Cost-of-Living-Adjustments, which are upgrades to retirement benefits that we fight for.

Refresh on this term and others, then learn more about how we fight for fair yearly COLAs here. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more retirement news.