Seniors receiving Social Security retirement benefits will get a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment in 2012, their first increase since 2009.

For a senior getting the average benefit of $1,186 a month this year, the increase works out to about $43 a month, or $516 a year.

Unfortunately, Medicare is expected to announce an increase in 2012 Part B premiums as early as next week. The premiums, which cover doctor visits, are deducted automatically from monthly Social Security payments