How to Boost Social Security Checks

"...You'd think claiming Social Security would be a simple retirement decision—you retire and you start your benefits. But there are certain complex strategies that can help pad a married couple's retirement savings with tens of thousands of dollars of additional income.

Don't make your claiming decision lightly, says Joe Elsasser, an Omaha, Neb., certified financial planner and creator of Social Security Timing, a software program for pre-retirees and advisers to run scenarios to assess strategies. "It's a decision that's going to impact you for your entire life, and it's a decision that's going to make up a substantial portion of your income," he says. ..."

Read more at WSJ.com

Eight key Social Security points

"...Most of us know some basics about Social Security...

"When you scratch beyond the surface, the knowledge really plummets," said Jean Setzfand, vice president of financial security for AARP, which recently polled older adults on their Social Security knowledge. "I don't blame people for not knowing and understanding the details. It can be really confusing.

So to boost your Social Security IQ, here are eight things you might not know about the program""

Read more at CSMonitor.com

Social Security and Spouses: Marriage, Divorce, Death, and Disability

"...Social Security is fairly simple. In practice, the rules and regulations that govern it can turn an otherwise sharp mind to mush. This is especially true when you add in factors such as two incomes, divorce and widowhood..."

Read more at Fox Business

Getting Married? Don't forget to inform Social Security

"...Telling us about your name change shortly after your marriage will help us accurately keep track of your earnings and will ensure that you and your family get the Social Security retirement, disability, and survivors coverage you’re entitled to. Also, if the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security records do not show the same name and Social Security number, your Federal income tax refund could be delayed..."

Read more at triblocal.com