Social Security
News, insights and expert analysis on social security from the team at Kiplinger.
Getting the most out of Social Security is anything but simple. As you near retirement, the decisions you make could have a significant impact on the amount of money you receive, and some of these choices are irrevocable. You’ll need to move carefully to maximize your income stream. Start with our beginner's guide to maximizing your Social Security benefits, then work your way through our other Social Security features, guides and news stories.
Latest
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Married and Retiring? Here's How to Claim Thousands More in Social Security BenefitsBoth spouses can receive Social Security based on their individual earnings records and at what age they claim benefits
By Kathryn Pomroy
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The Retirement Birthday Quiz: Test Your Milestone KnowledgeQuiz Navigating retirement rules means tracking key milestone ages. Test your timeline IQ with our quick quiz before making your next move.
By Donna LeValley
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What's My Social Security Full Retirement Age?The year you were born determines when you become eligible for your Social Security full retirement age benefit (FRA). Use our calculator to determine your FRA.
By Jackie Stewart
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What Eliminating the Social Security Tax Cap Would Mean for High EarnersTax Policy Some lawmakers are calling for higher payroll taxes for certain workers to help save Social Security from insolvency.
By Kelley R. Taylor
Tax Policy -
How to Estimate Your Social Security Benefits in Six StepsTo plan smartly for retirement, estimate your Social Security benefits years before you'll need the money. Here's how to do it.
By Kathryn Pomroy
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Big Retiree Tax Blunders: Including the Roth Conversion TrapYour 60s can be the most valuable decade in your life, but far too many people miss valuable tax planning opportunities that can lower their lifetime tax bills.
By Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA®, CKA®
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Latest Inflation Data Drives Down 2027 Social Security COLA Forecast2027 Social Security COLA forecast drops to 3.5% in August despite persistent inflation.
By Donna LeValley
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The Average Social Security Check in Every StateDo you live in this New England state with the heftiest check? Your Social Security benefit can be affected by where you live.
By Donna LeValley
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How to Strategize Your Social Security BenefitsClaiming Social Security too early or too late can impact your entire financial picture in retirement. It pays to carry out a proper analysis before you commit.
By Tony Drake, CFP®, Investment Advisor Representative
