Making social security work for you : advice, strategies, and time lines that can maximize your benefits

"A guide to getting the most out of Social Security Despite reports of Social Security's impending bankruptcy, Social Security remains an important part of most Americans' retirement plans. But will it be enough? Making Social Security Work for You teaches you what you need to know about Social Security retirement benefits and the options you can choose to help meet your retirement goals. In straightforward, easy-to-understand language, this compact guide provides advice on the advantages and disadvantages of delaying benefits as well as the best ways to maximize your benefits depending on your financial or marital situation. Featuring a glossary of terms to help you better understand Social Security jargon; a full explanation on how the current system works; and practical, actionable advice on how and when to save additional retirement funds, this book shows you how to make your retirement the best it can possibly be"-- "Learn how to manage your Social Security benefits and understand the system and rules"-- Featured in The Washington Post An up-to-date guide to getting the most out of Social Security under the new regulations that took effect on April 29, 2016. Despite reports of Social Security's impending bankruptcy, Social Security remains an important part of most Americans' retirement plans. But will it be enough? Making Social Security Work for You teaches you what you need to know about Social Security retirement benefits and the options you can choose to help meet your retirement goals. In straightforward, easy-to-understand language, this compact guide provides advice on the advantages and disadvantages of delaying benefits as well as the best ways to maximize your benefits depending on your financial or marital situation. Featuring a glossary of terms to help you better understand Social Security jargon; a full explanation on how the system works under the new regulations that took effect on April 29, 2016; and practical, actionable advice on how and when to save additional retirement funds, this book shows you how to make your retirement the best it can possibly be. "Guy Birken brings her breezy style to explaining a system that can be mind-numbing." — The Washington Post "A guide to getting the most out of Social Security Despite reports of Social Security's impending bankruptcy, Social Security remains an important part of most Americans'; retirement plans. But will it be enough? Making Social Security Work for You teaches you what you need to know about Social Security retirement benefits and the options you can choose to help meet your retirement goals. In straightforward, easy-to-understand language, this compact guide provides advice on the advantages and disadvantages of delaying benefits as well as the best ways to maximize your benefits depending on your financial or marital situation. Featuring a glossary of terms to help you better understand Social Security jargon; a full explanation on how the current system works; and practical, actionable advice on how and when to save additional retirement funds, this book shows you how to make your retirement the best it can possibly be"-- Provided by publisher Part one. What Social Security is, and what it isn't Social Security's history The (not-so) uncertain future of Social Security Under the hood: how Social Security works Part two. Timing is everything Taking early Social Security benefits Why you should delay Social Security benefits How to afford delaying Social Security Part three. The nuts and bolts of claiming your Social Security benefits Understanding Social Security benefits for married couples Understanding survivor benefits Benefit strategies for singles Understanding disability benefits The top 10 Social Security pitfalls and problems. "Learn how to manage your Social Security benefits and understand the system and rules"-- Provided by publisher