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8 Ways to Increase Social Security Benefits
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Knowing how to increase Social Security benefits is important, since those checks will likely be a major source of your income in retirement.
Unfortunately, many people don’t understand how Social Security really works. They claim too early, miss out on important benefits and fail to use strategies that could boost their lifetime income. Their mistakes can cost them as much as $250,000, researchers have estimated.
Here are eight ways to increase your Social Security benefits.
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- 6. Start a dropshipping business
- 3. Call the IRS to locate your EIN
- 3. Keep your 401(k) with a former employer
- Why is OpenAI in the news so often?
- 4. Participate in the gig economy.
- 2. The difference between tax deductions and tax credits
- Best car insurance companies: Our winners
- Focus your content
- State Farm renters insurance coverage
- California income tax deadlines and extensions
- 1. Get sponsored
- Wealth manager credentials
- Is LifeLock worth the price?
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands owned by the big three
- What happens when the Fed raises interest rates?
- 4. ‘I want $10,000 for my trade-in, and I won’t take a penny less.’
- Do I have to pay state tax on lottery winnings?
- Who to contact for more information
- Step 3: Claim dependents, including children
- The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a solid flat rate on 'everything else'
- Apply for loan modification
- Other perks
- 3. Drive safely
- Price vs. yield
- IRS levies and passport restrictions
- How a savings account works: withdrawal limits
- Buy here, pay here dealerships
- 3. Consider paying points
- How to meet your monthly savings goal
- Do the math
- 4. Wear and tear
- Cities with the top five highest annual rent increases:
- NEW: $100 discount on an Alaska Lounge+ Membership
- United Airlines
- Revolving credit
- 5. Student loan interest deduction
- Look for the lowest HELOC rate cap
- How to choose a debt consolidation lender
- Accommodation
- Average interest checking account rate: 0.08%
- How to pay for your education
- How to start a zero-based budget
- How does a life insurance trust work?
- 3. Negotiate with your internet provider for a better deal
- Seattle
- If you’re 59½ or older and the account is less than 5 years old
- How are dividends paid out?
- Where Guarda shines
- REITs' average return
- Best homeowners insurance in Virginia for coverage: Erie
- Ledger: Most popular
- 2. Medical records management
- Housing
- Mobile-focused banks: next generation options
- 4. Monitor bank transactions online
- Why is Bitcoin still popular?
- How Fingerhut credit works
- Standard deduction 2023
- Where to exchange currency outside the U.S.
- 3. Active investing
- Preparation and packing
- 4. You’ll pay a monthly fee
- Is it worth it to cash a savings bond?
- 4. $189 Clear Statement credit
- An account in collections
- UFB Direct: Best savings account
- Conventional loans
- How do I check my tax return status?
- Other redemptions
- Potential employers may ask about it
- Where to find your AGI on your 1040
- 20% of your income: savings and debt
- The risks of short selling
- Pay off the loan faster
- What to know if you take online surveys
- 7. Request a payroll advance
- Pro: It’s easier to qualify
- The ideal choice
- Small-business lending statistics
- 5. Purchase upgrades with the right credit card
- Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW)
- 3. Formalize your business plan
- Does basic economy get a carry-on on United?
- Fortune favors … whom?
- Equity financing, including angel investment and venture capital
- What to expect the stock market to return
- Cash reserves
- What you can do
- Dividend kings vs. aristocrats
- 3. Prime members earn lucrative rewards
- Serve American Express Prepaid Debit Account
- Tesla car insurance rates by state for a Model 3
- Use the travel credit
- Advertise yourself
- 4. Consider your spouse
- Don't forget to check the limits to savings withdrawals
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Exceptions to state minimum car insurance requirements
- Conventional mortgages: As low as 3% down payment
- How much do streaming services cost?
- 5. Automotive repairs
- Gerber customer complaints and satisfaction
- What the flight is like
- Step 4: Refine your withholdings
- 1.Meet the requirements
- Gift tax limit 2024
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- One day
- Top credit cards that offer preapproval without a hard pull
- Can I lift a fraud alert?
- 3. It offers a credit limit of up to $1,000
- 1. High-yield savings accounts
- 4. Find the right car for you
- Installment credit
- 6. Adoption credit
- Know when the HELOC draw period ends
- Fly on the holidays (or as far from it as possible)
- What you can do to protect against longevity risk
- Average monthly expenses that increased year over year
- SBA business acquisition loan requirements
- $27.5 billion in SBA 7(a) loans were provided to small businesses
- 5. Pick a payment plan
- 4. Peer-to-peer lending
- Information to include in your dispute letter
- Mortgage contingency
- 3. Set up balance alerts to stay on top of spending
- If you're 59½ or older and the account is at least 5 years old
- What’s next?
- How can you improve your relationship with money?
- Self offers a related secured credit card
- You can be held responsible for a bad check
- Caveats about UTMA and UGMA accounts
- Finding the right American Express card for you
- 7. Curate subscription boxes
- 4. Cash out your 401(k)
- Consider alternative funding options
- AI for consumers: Foundation, DALL-E, ChatGPT and GPT-4
- When possible, contact the hiring manager
- Best insurance company overall: Travelers
- What is the difference between a wealth manager and a financial advisor?
- Qualifying for a Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan
- Our pick for: Intro APR + high rewards on everyday spending
- 5. ‘I’ve been looking all over for this color.’
- 3. Learn to use AI tools
- PenFed: Best for a seamless application process
- How to apply for a Kikoff line of credit
- Talk about what happens if you win
- Mortgage insurance
- 3. Resort fees aren’t included in “free” hotel nights
- 4. Drop car insurance you don’t need
- 2. You must have owned the home for at least two years
- 5. Travel coverage
- Vio Bank: Best money market account
- GivemetheVIN details and FAQs
- Pre-book your visit
- How to get a home equity loan
- Cities with the top five annual rent price declines or smallest increases:
- Kirkland’s
- Episode transcript
- Lengthen the repayment term
- 3. Other investment options
- There’s more to financing than APR
- An alternative to chasing the best stocks
- 2. Score sponsorships
- 1. Make sure you’re eligible to get an EIN online
- California
- 3. Physical/occupational therapy center
- Cars
- Documentation
- 5. Know the bank’s timeline
- How are dividends taxed?
- 2. Take a cut with affiliate marketing
- How much is car insurance in my state?
- How to make a strong offer without waiving the inspection
- LifeLock pros
- Personal property coverage
- But wait, there’s more
- April
- Eligible child and dependent care expenses
- How much should you spend on a mattress?
- FHA loans: As low as 3.5% down payment
- How much is Netflix a month?
- Where Gerber stands out
- Other fuel cards to consider
- In-flight seating
- Step 5: Sign and date your W-4
- QuickBooks Enterprise pricing
- 5. There’s no traditional card to graduate to
- How do you pick between the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®?
- 2.Pick your path
- Eliminate mortgage insurance
- Do tipped workers earn the minimum wage?
- Frugal DIY project tips
- Cost of full coverage car insurance
- Can you negotiate with GivemetheVIN?
- How to unfreeze credit with TransUnion
- 3. Swagbucks
- 3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
- Why haven't I received my tax refund?
- Does leasing a car build credit?
- 5. Infestations
- 3. Prioritize your financial goals
- Updated: Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™
- Service credit
- When to sign up for Social Security
- 7. Earned income tax credit
- How to cope with higher mortgage rates
- MileIQ
- 8. Take a loan from your retirement account
- How long will it take to pre-qualify?
- Con: You’ll likely pay much more than you get
- 50% of SBA microloans went to Black- and Latino-owned businesses
- Appraisal contingency
- PCE vs. CPI
- 4. Bundle your services for a better combined price
- APR vs. APY: What’s the difference?
- What's next?
- What state has the highest gas prices?
- 6 types of dividends
- Where Guarda falls short
- Choosing corporate tax status for your LLC
- Types of REITs
- The bottom line
- 2. Buy a private jet
- 4. Personal trainers
- Recycling isn’t the only option
- How to find another company's EIN
- HELOC on your primary residence
- Safety concerns, removal and return of Sam Altman
- What company has the cheapest Tesla car insurance?
- 5. Rent out your home on Airbnb.
- 3. Taking the standard deduction vs. itemizing
- Place ads in visible places
- Do I have to pay California state tax?
- Size of the AC system
- 4. How to file a claim for car rental insurance
- What qualifies:
- Set up automatic transfers to boost your savings yields
- Standard deduction 2024 (taxes filed 2025)
- 4. Dollar-cost averaging
- What factors affect the amount you can borrow
- 6. Home cleaning
- Do I pay taxes when I cash in savings bonds?
- 5. There are no other Merrick Bank credit cards to graduate to
- 3. You must have lived in the house for at least two years in the five-year period before you sold it
- How to connect to Singapore Airlines Wi-Fi
- What if I lose the cashier's check?
- What is APR and why is it important?
- Mortgage insurance
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Get preapproved before visiting an auto dealership
- 4. Take advantage of first-time home buyer programs
- Prepare for a future tax bomb
- What is a credit freeze?
- 4. The high APR can be costly
- You'll likely forgo a welcome bonus
- Will the Fed keep raising rates in 2023?
- The significance of adjusted gross income
- Understand how HELOC balloon payments work
- Tap into equity
- Best business expense tracker for transportation businesses
- SBA loan underwriting requirements
- Debt consolidation loans for borrowers with bad credit
- 6. Use miles to upgrade
- Why invest in clean energy ETFs
- Find ways to stretch your grocery budget
- Example interest checking APYs at select institutions
- The pros and cons of zero-based budgeting
- 4. Prepare your personal finances
- How to consolidate private student loans
- More credit union topics
- 4. Develop a health care app
- After the pause: Keep advocating for yourself
- Our pick for cash back
- Appraisals
- Digital banking security
- Is it a good idea to consolidate credit cards?
- How to invest in dividend aristocrats
- 4. You’ll get a small introductory bonus
- How many banks have collapsed?
- The importance of a direct 401(k) rollover
- 2. Calculate the car loan amount you can afford
- Fixed-income investments and rising interest rates
- Cheap car insurance after a speeding ticket
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands that resell network service
- How does the Fed raise interest rates?
- Information is power
- Optional coverages
- Should I take a lump sum payment or annuity payments?
- Jumbo loans: As low as 5%-10% down payment (varies)
- For big or infrequent purchases
- Other Kikoff credit-building tools
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- Where Gerber falls short
- 3.Network
- Gift tax limit 2023
- What states are increasing minimum wages in 2024?
- Average annual full coverage car insurance premium by company
- Will GivemetheVIN buy my car if I owe on it?
- Cheapest term life insurance companies for smokers for 2024
- Amenities
- VA loans
- Our pick for: No credit check at all
- Avianca
- 8. Charitable donation deduction
- Average monthly expenses that declined
- 9. Borrow against life insurance
- Working conditions
- The pros
- 4. Pay your bill before your issuer reports to the credit bureaus
- 1. Cash dividends
- Use technology to make things easier
- Credit card pros and cons
- Fees for certified and cashier’s checks
- Saving and investing
- RetailMeNot
- 8. Create an airport-centric app
- Can you invest in OpenAI’s partners?
- Redeem points for travel through Chase
- What is the standard deduction?
- Don’t break the rules
- 5. Investigate divorced spouse benefits
- Installation and labor: $75 to $250 per hour
- Is a wealth manager worth it?
- The WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Credit Account
- What doesn't qualify:
- Mattress-buying tips
- Where to avoid exchanging currency
- Navy Federal: Best for military members
- 4. Marriott points transfer to 40 airline loyalty programs
- How much is YouTube TV?
- 7. IT and computer services
- 3. Expedia
- W-4 form 2024
- Payment options and protections
- Why is the 10-year Treasury yield important?
- Know how to earn rewards
- What to do if you can't pay your taxes
- How much to keep in your savings account
- Rent vs. inflation
- Google Pay
- 5. Contact the seller or visit a dealership
- How to build your credit
- Best North Carolina car insurance for customer complaints: Auto-Owners
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- Step 3: Choose your lender and loan
- 2. Sign up for credit cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® and transfer to United
- 10.5 million-plus PPP loan recipients submitted forgiveness applications
- 5. Online savings accounts
- Home sale contingency
- Embrace: Best pet insurance for many ways to save
- Types of life insurance trusts
- 5. Check on assistance programs for a monthly discount
- 2. Gather the necessary information
- Washington state
- 2. Flight discounts
- Best homeowners insurance in Virginia for consumer experience: Nationwide
- Is United’s basic economy worth it?
- Methodology to determine the best hotel
- 5. Diabetic care center
- Self-funding
- How to get started with a UTMA or UGMA account
- Customer experience
- How does a debt consolidation loan work?
- 6. Rebounding from bank account fraud
- When do you have to pay taxes on stocks?
- State Farm renters insurance rates
- LifeLock cons
- 5. Index investing
- 1. Find a dividend-paying stock
- 4.Start applying for jobs or pitching your services
- 4. You cannot have claimed the home sale capital gains exclusion recently
- 6. Purchase protections
- Limiting the cost of Singapore Airlines Wi-Fi
- A lawsuit
- Outsized rewards through transfer partners
- Does GivemetheVIN buy leased vehicles?
- Alternatives to MCAs
- Are home equity loans a good idea?
- 4. Choose the best retirement plan for you
- 9. Medical expenses deduction
- Look for the most flexible HELOC terms
- Get rid of FHA mortgage insurance
- 10. Use a credit card cash advance
- Interest rate
- How do I apply for an SBA business acquisition loan?
- Xoom
- Hope is not a strategy
- When is the PCE released?
- 2. Stock dividends
- Guarda is best for:
- Equity REITs
- How we picked the brands to evaluate
- Self loan fees and penalties
- How personal loans and credit cards are similar
- 3. Buy a house. Heck, buy houses for all your friends.
- Battery recycling in the future
- 9. Become a destination wedding planner
- How long-term care insurance works
- Home equity loan
- How to invest in AI stocks
- May
- How to send money to others
- Skip currency exchange: Use a credit or debit card
- 3. Tap your home equity for a loan or line of credit
- Emirates economy class checked baggage policy
- How can I qualify to borrow more?
- More about Gerber
- In-flight refreshments
- How the lifetime gift tax exclusion works
- If you're renting a car under 25
- 5. Drive a car that’s cheap to insure
- Compare the best savings and money market accounts
- Average annual full coverage car insurance premium by age
- Estimate your 2024 IRS tax refund date
- Before you go shopping
- 6. Nuclear hazards
- 5. It reports payments to all three credit bureaus
- If you don’t have credit but are looking to build it
- Should you invest in retail stocks in 2023?
- Heads-up that HELOC rates will rise
- What is a short squeeze?
- How much should I spend each month?
- 7. Pay for a last-minute upgrade
- Managing expectations
- What state has the lowest gas prices?
- Application decision
- 6. Home health care service
- What is the stock market doing today?
- 5. Newborn and post-pregnancy services
- Pros and cons of jumbo loans
- Do debt consolidation loans hurt your credit?
- Outmaneuvering regulators
- 5. Financing options are available, but proceed with caution
- ONE VIP Visa Prepaid Card
- Find preapproved auto loans
- 6. Become a dog walker.
- Don’t overthink it
- How does cryptocurrency work?
- What is California's standard deduction?
- What is the Federal Reserve Board?
- Standard deduction for those 65 or older
- Kikoff vs. Self
- How much is Hulu?
- 8. Pet store, grooming and boarding
- What are fleet cards?
- Alternatives to QuickBooks
- Looking for value with less fuss? Go with the Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- 5. You cannot have bought the house through a like-kind exchange
- 7. Payment flexibility
- Frugal home expenses tips
- Where does GivemetheVIN buy cars?
- Two days
- 4. Fiverr
- 5. Shop around with multiple lenders
- Change your repayment plan
- Free checked bag
- Fraud alert vs. credit freeze — which should I choose?
- Understanding the American Express card families
- Expect an emotional response
- 10. Deduction for state and local taxes
- Switch from an adjustable- to a fixed-rate loan
- Zoho Expense
- 11. Look for a payday alternative loan
- What does a shared equity agreement cost?
- Popular Chase credit cards
- $7.3 billion in bonded contracts were awarded to small businesses
- Learn more
- Other contingencies
- Average certificate of deposit rate: 1.81% for one-year CDs
- The cons
- 5. Jump in
- Revocable life insurance trusts
- How compound interest works
- Where next?
- 3. Dividend reinvestment programs (DRIPs)
- 3. Turn to qualitative stock research
- LLC payroll taxes
- Mortgage REITs
- Don’t force yourself to use tools that don’t resonate with you
- Friends and family
- Credit and debt
- Dividend aristocrats ETFs
- 10. Make local guides
- 3. Land a brand deal and make sponsored content
- What about Tesla Insurance?
- What does 'itemize' mean?
- Then there's FOMO, and the herd
- Discounts
- 6. Add your minor child
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Rating
- Loss of use coverage
- Who counts as a qualified care provider?
- 4. Take surveys for money
- How do I deal with lottery taxes?
- Benefits of a larger down payment
- Credit union personal loan rates
- Shipping alcohol
- Mortgage rates
- 5. You can have more than one Marriott credit card
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- Where to find virtual assistant jobs
- Minimum wage increases
- 6. Increase the deductible
- Why you may not be getting a response after an interview
- Cons
- Are 10-year Treasury notes a good investment?
- 4. Barclays rewards
- Cashier’s check vs. certified check vs. money order
- Alternatives to savings accounts
- 7. Government action
- 2. Certificates of deposit
- If you have credit but want to strengthen your score
- What is your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)?
- Avoid prepayment penalties
- 4. Whether it's time for a financial advisor
- The most popular surveys for cash apps
- Best low-cost business expense tracker
- 5. Monitor your total credit utilization
- 3. Submit your application and wait
- 3. Caesars Diamond status
- Guarda at a glance
- How we chose the winner
- Pros
- When debt consolidation isn't worth it
- How to change or cancel an EIN
- Pros and cons of a 401(k) rollover into an IRA
- Cheap auto insurance after an accident
- 2. Promote your business
- Alternative wealth management services
- But wait, there’s more
- Fingerhut FreshStart Installment Loan issued by WebBank
- Ways to get the best USDA mortgage rates
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- 2. Evaluate the stock
- 6. You cannot be subject to expatriate tax
- Compare the best CD accounts
- Can I drop off my car instead of having it picked up at my home or office?
- Cheapest life insurance companies for smokers in fair health
- Conventional loans
- Discounted in-flight purchases
- 6. Inspect and test-drive the car, if applicable
- Best North Carolina car insurance for ease of use: State Farm
- 11. Mortgage interest deduction
- Small-business diversity statistics
- If you want to get a free upgrade
- Real estate contingency deadlines
- Learn how to become:
- 3. Tap TikTok’s ‘Creativity Program Beta’
- 4. Special dividends
- 7. Medical foot care
- Customer experience
- What is net investment income tax?
- 3. Set a target purchase price
- What is Tesla Insurance?
- Transfer points for more value
- Best insurance company for affordability: NJM
- What part of my income gets taxed by California?
- Chase car rental insurance, recapped
- Our pick for: Everyday spending
- 6. Growth investing
- Credit Account
- 9. Salon or barbershop
- How do fleet cards work?
- 4. Capital One Travel
- What is the median household income in the U.S.?
- Exclusive perks for cardholders
- Take action before missed payments hurt you
- Is it worth getting a premium American Express card to access the lounge?
- Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
- 6. Consider alternative types of mortgages
- How do I grow my home's equity?
- Green, Gold and Platinum pay over time cards
- Be mindful of how much you borrow
- Tips to find cheap flights any day of the week
- 12. Get a personal loan
- Step 4: Gather loan documents
- 22% of businesses are owned by women
- 6. High-yield checking accounts
- Hybrid REITs
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Virginia
- What else you need to know
- Ask for accommodations
- Unsecured funds
- What is stock market volatility?
- Ready to get started?
- 6. Enrichment activities for children
- Upside
- 11. Create a local grocery delivery service
- Why did First Republic Bank fail?
- Why you might roll a 401(k) into an IRA
- Cash-out refinance
- How to find AI ETFs
- 7. Babysit or open a daycare.
- How are cryptocurrencies created?
- 3 tips to control central air conditioning installation costs
- Things to consider
- Additional standard deduction 2023 (taxes due 2024)
- How much should you put down on a house?
- Emirates Economy vs Emirates Premium Economy: which is a better value?
- 6. Marriott credit card perks go beyond mere points
- How much is Disney+?
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- 7. Improve your credit
- 8. Exclusive entertainment access
- Extra perks
- What if someone else’s name is on the title?
- Our pick for: Beginner-friendly features
- Where's my 2024 state tax refund? Track your status
- 8. Dangerous or aggressive dogs
- No foreign transaction fees
- Will a credit freeze or fraud alert hurt my credit score?
- PayPal
- 12. Gambling loss deduction
- Book one to three months in advance
- What is naked short selling, and why is it illegal?
- How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?
- Make Money
- Pros and cons of disputing by mail
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs)
- Federal student loan consolidation
- 5. Preferred dividends
- Full details about Guarda's ratings
- 4. Give it away
- 8. Drug treatment/rehabilitation center
- Crowdfunding
- Methodology
- How much is car insurance by company?
- The bottom line on OpenAI
- 7. Suspend your benefit
- 1. Examine your cooling needs
- June
- Credit-builder loans
- 3. Decide how much stock you want to buy
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- NerdWallet's List of Best QuickBooks Alternatives
- 2024 lifetime gift tax exemption
- How do you buy 10-year Treasury notes?
- Compare the best checking accounts
- Who needs full coverage car insurance?
- It’s more expensive to rent than ever before
- Other Star Alliance frequent flyer programs worth considering
- HELOC alternatives
- Days in the cycle
- What do I need for my loan application?
- 21% of businesses are minority-owned
- Is APY variable?
- Do you ever need to change your EIN?
- You can use credit card benefits to travel in basic economy
- How we assigned star ratings
- Cons
- 12. Start a virtual event planning company
- 4. Sell some merch
- 4. Keep an eye on popular tax deductions and credits
- Consumer complaints
- Liability coverage
- Additional child and dependent care credit requirements
- Additional standard deduction 2024 (taxes due 2025)
- Taking a sip down memory lane
- Loan limits
- 10. Gas station
- 5. American Express Membership Rewards
- How can I avoid cashier's check fraud?
- Who is eligible to apply for this card?
- 3. Bonds
- 13. IRA contributions deduction
- Concur Travel
- 13. Rent out a room
- How repayment of the equity investment works
- Pros of mailing a credit dispute letter
- Food and beverage
- How are gas prices determined?
- 6. Dividend funds
- 4. Hilton Gold elite status
- Publicly-traded REITs
- How borrowing affects your credit score
- Our pick for no-annual-fee cash back
- Ex-dividend dates
- How to pay lower taxes when selling stocks
- 8. Start a housekeeping business.
- Am I a resident for California state tax purposes?
- 2. Time it right
- 7. Value investing
- 5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
- The bottom line
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- 4. Borrow from your 401(k)
- How much is Max?
- Calculating capital gains tax on a home sale
- 9. Complimentary Shoprunner membership
- 5. Upwork
- Cheapest final expense companies for 2024
- How to get a tax refund sooner
- 7. Determine which warranties are right for you
- Full list of the best car insurance companies in North Carolina
- Eureka
- Best business expense tracker for travel-related expenses
- 21.7% of business owners are immigrants
- MoneyGram
- Example CD APYs at select institutions
- See if zero-based budgeting is right for you
- LLC self-employment taxes
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Virginia?
- How we verified our data
- Find support
- 9. Childbirth services
- 7. Mobile apps and entertainment for children
- 1. Think long term versus short term
- Unsecured personal loan
- Why are there so many kinds of cryptocurrency?
- Consumer experience
- Resident status rules
- Positive features to keep in mind
- Filing status
- Standard deduction for dependents
- Exchange frequently? Consider a multicurrency account
- 11. Grocery store
- Willing to spend time to maximize rewards? Go with the Chase Freedom Flex℠
- 8. Don’t drive a lot? Consider usage-based insurance
- Singapore Airlines Wi-Fi, recapped
- Which is better?
- Do you pay tax on T-notes?
- Compare the best banks, credit unions and cash management accounts
- Credit score requirements
- 5. Select your retirement investments
- How to earn miles with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
- Can I have a fraud alert and a credit freeze?
- Government bonds
- AmEx EveryDay Cards
- 14. 401(k) contributions deduction
- Debt-based financing options for your business idea
- How do you invest in the stock market?
- 13. Sell zero-waste products
- Why did Silicon Valley Bank fail?
- FamZoo Prepaid Card
- Why you might not want to roll a 401(k) to an IRA
- How Tesla Insurance works
- Cheapest car insurance after a DUI
- 8. Use a do-over
- 3. Look for equipment rebates and tax credits
- How to switch plans and keep your number
- Other considerations to determine your down payment
- Fleet expense management tools
- In-flight entertainment
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- Three days
- Recap: How to get a cashier's check
- Where to find the best savings accounts
- Final thoughts on lounges at Oakland airport
- 1. Avoid filing your tax return on paper
- 9. Wind damage in hurricane-prone states
- How did rent get so expensive?
- ANA Mileage Club
- How to find the best refinance rates
- Small-business industry statistics
- Cons of mailing a credit dispute letter
- What’s next?
- 4. Use gifting
- How to evaluate dividends
- 4. Put your stock research into context
- Public non-traded REITs
- 5. Buy an island. Or make a movie.
- Jumbo loans and conforming loan limits
- 2. Look into tax-loss harvesting
- 5. Offer memberships
- Average annual car insurance costs from large companies
- Finding a car you can afford
- 9. Become a tutor.
- July
- Earned income
- Secured credit cards
- Property standards
- How much is Apple TV+?
- Who pays the gift tax?
- Next Steps
- 6. Capital One Rewards
- VA loans
- Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- Set a price alert
- The bottom line on short selling
- InboxDollars Surveys
- 14. Moonlight as a dog sitter
- What's next?
- Small businesses in the leisure and hospitality industry experienced a 9.6% loss in establishments
- Average money market account rate: 0.66%
- Which type of life insurance should I put in a trust?
- What if you lose your EIN?
- Perks await when you fly economy with elite status
- 10. Medical billing service
- Business credit cards
- 8. Shared accessories and attire
- Ibotta
- 14. Make products for pets
- Could we be in an AI bubble?
- How to finance central air installation
- 3. Sell your castoffs
- Medical payments coverage
- Alternatives to a Fingerhut credit account
- Are these the best dividend stocks?
- What's next?
- Compare the best bank accounts for students and kids
- Our pick for: Fixed monthly payments
- 2. Get direct deposit
- How to redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles
- Venmo
- Blue Cash Cards
- 15. Saver’s credit
- How do business expense trackers work?
- Step 5: Submit your application and get funded
- Dividend per share (DPS)
- LLC sales taxes
- Personal loans vs. credit cards for debt consolidation
- Find local conforming loan limits
- Cost of long-term care insurance
- Next steps
- 5. Know what tax records to keep
- Expenses
- When can't you take the standard deduction?
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- The best place to exchange currency at the end of your trip
- 8. Income investing
- 6. Sell your wares on Etsy
- Credit union vs. online lender
- 12. Drugstore
- Fleet fuel cards: benefits and drawbacks
- How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Do you pay taxes when you receive a gift?
- Four days
- Conventional loans
- 8. Negotiate the best price
- Rebook if you find a cheaper price
- 15. Become a rideshare or delivery driver
- Where to get a home equity sharing agreement
- Retail business applications increased by 87%
- Where to mail your dispute letter
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Virginia by city
- The complete list of dividend aristocrats
- 15. Create custom clothing
- 3. Hold the shares inside an IRA, a 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account
- Max out the food delivery perks
- Part-year resident status rules
- Home equity loan
- Our pick for: Flat-rate travel rewards
- 5. Kiwi
- Summary of the best banks and credit unions of 2024
- 3. Stay on top of things
- 16. Health savings account contributions deduction
- Google Opinion Rewards
- Appendix: How the math works in our examples
- Example money market account APYs at select institutions
- Types of gas
- How to consolidate federal loans
- Dividend yield
- Private REITs
- 11. Nutritionist/dietitian
- Ways to get the best jumbo mortgage rates
- 10. Become a career coach.
- Best insurance company for accident forgiveness: Geico
- How to claim the child and dependent tax credit
- How to maximize value in Emirates economy class
- How much is Peacock?
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- Will you owe capital gains taxes on your home sale?
- 6. OfferUp
- A closer look at these companies
- 7. Citi ThankYou Points
- 10. Intentional loss or neglect
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- Refinancing a mortgage, step by step
- 16. Cut your insurance premiums
- How to transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards® to United
- The bottom line on how to research stocks
- How much money can you make on YouTube?
- Are cryptocurrencies financial securities, like stocks?
- State Farm vs. competitors
- 4. Earn badges through Live videos
- August
- Currency exchange: Frequently asked questions
- 5. Enter a debt management plan
- Use the Best Fare Finder and pay in cash
- 7. You’ll need high credit to improve your chances of approval
- 13. Antique or thrift store
- Benefits
- How to find cheap United flights to Hawaii
- How to have less taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Is the gift tax deductible?
- The future of blockchain technology
- How to save on full coverage car insurance
- Five days
- 17. Self-employment expenses deduction
- How to choose a business expense tracker
- Transportation and warehousing business applications grew by 100.7%
- Experian
- Figo: Best pet insurance for cats
- 5. Discounted hotel rates
- Microloans
- 16. Sell vintage clothing online
- 4. Call in a pro
- Why did Signature Bank fail?
- How much is auto insurance based on your driving record?
- Avoid other redemption options
- Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit
- How much is my 2023 standard deduction?
- 9. Socially responsible investing
- Other ways to build credit
- How much is Prime Video?
- Why not both?
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio
- 4. One more thing to know about your tax refund
- Final thoughts on the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
- Delta SkyMiles Cards
- Be flexible with destination, airport and dates
- Swagbucks
- Western Union
- 5. Sell with TikTok Shop
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- The cheapest home insurance in Virginia
- When to choose a debt consolidation loan
- 12. Alternative health care
- 9. Shared home improvement equipment
- Offering help in a complex system
- Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
- State Farm vs. Geico renters insurance
- Nonresident status rules
- Home equity line of credit
- Where is the best place to exchange currency?
- 7. Self-publish an e-book
- 8. Your shopping habits can decide the best card for you
- 14. Fitness studio or gym
- Drawbacks
- How much is the gift tax rate?
- How to avoid capital gains tax on home sales
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Walmart2Walmart
- Corporate bonds
- 9. Maximize trade-in value, if applicable
- 18. Home office deduction
- Small-business outlook statistics
- Pros of investing in REIT stocks
- Final thoughts on the different United economy fare classes
- Next steps
- Our pick for foodies
- Dosh
- 17. Begin niche blogging
- Tax advantages of buying long-term care insurance
- 11. Offer freelance creative services.
- What homeowners insurance won't cover
- Refinancing
- Be flexible about travel dates
- How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
- 1. Live in the house for at least two years
- 8. Bank of America® rewards
- VA loans
- Our pick for: An upgrade path
- Next steps
- 17. Consolidate your debt
- Consider all your options
- 23% of business owners cite inflation as their single most important problem
- Amenities
- The difference between interest rate and APY
- Dividend payout ratio
- More reading for active investors
- When to choose a balance transfer credit card
- Personal loans
- How much is auto insurance after an at-fault accident?
- Is Tesla Insurance worth it?
- Capitalize on other travel perks
- 6. Tweak your W-4
- Bottom line: Is it worth claiming the child and dependent care tax credit?
- How do I find a currency exchange near me?
- Next steps
- Book Emirates economy fares on points
- How much is Sling TV?
- Fuel card vs. business gas credit card
- The bottom line
- Learn about the best life insurance companies
- Hilton Honors Cards
- 19. Educator expenses deduction
- More reading for active investors and traders
- AO Spa and Club
- If you’d like to get a Founderscard membership
- 13. Health information website
- Should you invest in AI stocks?
- 5. Build a community
- September
- Principles of investment strategies
- 15. Tutoring business
- 2. See whether you qualify for an exception
- 7. Poshmark
- Conventional loans
- 3. Sign up for Marriott credit cards and transfer Bonvoy points to United
- 40% of small-business owners note trouble filling jobs
- Why are California gas prices so high?
- Cons of investing in REIT stocks
- What to know about Virginia homeowners insurance
- 18. Become an e-book writer
- What’s happening with Silvergate Capital Corp.?
- Earn an audience, and earn more in the long run
- 12. Keep the books for local businesses.
- Cash-out refinance
- Where can you exchange currency for free?
- Lufthansa Miles & More
- 10. Make the purchase
- 20. Solar tax credit
- 18. Refinance your student loans
- 6. Monetize using the Series feature
- Are dividends taxed?
- 10. Vacation rentals
- Team it with a different card
- Pros and cons of cryptocurrency
- State Farm vs. Lemonade renters insurance
- 2023 vs. 2024 standard deduction
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Long-term goals vs. short-term goals
- 8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
- If you’re considering a Marriott credit card ...
- How much is Fubo TV?
- 16. Ice cream shop
- 6. BookWithMatrix
- Common gift tax return triggers
- 3. Keep the receipts for your home improvements
- Who is most likely to rent?
- Equifax
- Other details you should know about Guarda
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- Hurricanes and tropical storms
- 14. Medical supply sales
- Funding your business’s growth
- What happened to Credit Suisse?
- Why insuring a Tesla is so expensive
- California state tax credits
- Expand your coverage with endorsements
- Our pick for: Customizable bonus categories
- What is credit card consolidation?
- The final decision
- Marriott Bonvoy Cards
- 21. Energy efficient home improvement tax credit
- 19. Change your cell phone plan
- 73% of business owners feel the impact of supply chain issues
- Next steps
- Investing in REITs: How to get started
- 19. Start ghostwriting
- How to buy long-term care insurance
- Cryptocurrency pros
- Best insurance company for having few customer complaints: American Family
- 17. Dry cleaner
- Look beyond United
- W-4 calculator
- Gifting large sums of money to family
- Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
- Western Union
- 4. Money market funds
- Business loans
- 11. Electronics repair
- Receipt Hog
- Other ways to make money
- Walmart MoneyCard
- How much is a Tesla?
- 13. Dip your toe in the food industry.
- 7. Tax strategies to shelter income or cut your tax bill
- Personal loan
- October
- When to claim the standard deduction
- FHA vs. conventional loans: Summary
- Don’t forget the fifth-freedom flights
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- How taxes on real estate, rental, and investment sales work
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee
- 22. Electric vehicle tax credit
- Avoid risky loans
- 65% of small-business owners expect revenue to increase
- How the FDIC calculates national rates
- Flooding
- 15. Stylish uniforms for medical professionals
- 20. Become a resume writer
- California earned income tax credit (CalEITC)
- How does credit card consolidation work?
- 18. Bookstore
- Does your business need a fleet fuel card?
- Investing
- TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go
- Happy hour
- 7. Collect tips from viewers
- Is Guarda right for you?
- Put money in a 401(k)
- Cryptocurrency cons
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers
- Low-risk vs. high-risk investing strategy
- Conventional loans
- United MileagePlus credit cards to help get you to Hawaii
- Paying for vacations, cars or other stuff
- 55% of business owners expect all accepted payment methods to eventually become digital
- How to choose among the best ways to send money internationally
- Does the president control gas prices?
- 16. Hearing aid dispensary
- Business lines of credit
- 21. Open a coworking space
- Are other banks are in trouble?
- State Farm vs. Allstate renters insurance
- California young child tax credit (YCTC)
- 9. Become an Instagram influencer
- 19. Bed and breakfast
- What else to know about Form W-4
- Rent vs. income
- TransUnion
- 14. Do home or tech repairs.
- Bring the kids
- 1. Has the W-4 form changed?
- Giving a laid-back loan
- Is there an over-55 home sale exemption?
- The best Star Alliance airlines to earn miles, recapped
- 21.6% of small businesses cite a large negative effect on business due to the pandemic
- How we review crypto wallets
- Tornadoes
- 17. Respite care service for caregivers
- Our pick for travel
- Average car insurance costs after a speeding ticket
- Understanding state 'partnership' plans
- Tesla repair costs
- California child and dependent care tax credit
- November
- Do-it-yourself vs. hiring professional help
- FHA loans
- 20. Floral shop
- 5. Mutual funds
- What are tax deductions?
- When a Marriott transfer to United makes sense
- 12. Academics courses
- 22. Become an online coach
- Should I take my money out of the bank?
- Put money in an IRA
- Cryptocurrency legal and tax issues
- Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
- Setting up joint bank accounts
- Prosper® Card
- How to get to the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
- Additional tips for making money on TikTok
- How does the Israel-Hamas war affect gas prices?
- 18. Medical marijuana dispensary
- Rakuten
- How to redeem rewards on the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- California adoption cost tax credit
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
- 21. Gardening and landscaping
- Final thoughts on the best flight booking site
- 2. What does it mean to be exempt from taxes?
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee, potentially high credit limit
- Zelle:
- More resources
- Small-business banking statistics post-SVB failure
- Find your niche
- Winter weather
- 23. Flip failing websites
- 15. Plan parties, events, or weddings.
- Our pick for: Bank of America® customers
- 10. Monetize your Twitch channel
- Emirates Airlines economy class: is it worth it?
- Frequently asked questions
- Other life insurance options for seniors
- Best insurance company for financial strength: Auto-Owners
- Cheapest auto insurance for senior drivers
- California nonrefundable renters tax credit
- Can I still use my credit card after debt consolidation?
- Important policies to be aware of
- Above-the-line deductions
- 96% of small-business owners have business bank accounts
- How long does it take to have the dispute resolved?
- How do I start a health care business?
- 13. Language courses
- 24. Become a web developer
- Are we in a recession?
- 22. Nail salon and spa
- Mortgages
- 6. Index funds
- If you're a Marriott Vacation Club owner
- MetLife: Best pet insurance for dogs
- Virginia insurance department
- Average car insurance costs after a DUI
- Low-fee alternatives to prepaid cards
- Your decision: Is cryptocurrency a good investment?
- Does homeowners insurance cover ... ?
- December
- Pets
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- How do I start a home health care business?
- 25. Start a podcast
- 23. Photography
- 3. When should I review my W-4?
- Below-the-line deductions
- 60% reported no impact from recent bank failures
- Looking for more insurance in Virginia?
- Other cash-back apps to consider
- More about buying life insurance as a senior
- 16. Become a fitness instructor.
- Open a 529 account
- How to track your California state refund
- Luggage restrictions
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Use American Express to maximize the conversion rate
- Other ways to dispute your credit report
- Be authentic
- How do I write a business plan in health care?
- 26. Be a social media influencer
- 11. Sell your photography
- 24. Clothing boutique
- Our pick for: Average credit and rewards
- If you’re looking to stay at the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
- 14. Business or marketing courses
- Shopkick
- Are we headed for a depression?
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- 4. Can I adjust my W-4 multiple times throughout the year?
- What to know about the best ways to send money
- What are tax write-offs?
- 17. Become a doula.
- Types of homeowners insurance policies
- Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
- 25. Daycare
- The bottom line
- Our pick for luxury perks
- CoinOut
- 27. Create online courses
- Fund your flexible spending account (FSA)
- Our pick for: Paying rent
- Which Hawaiian island should you choose?
- 4. Earn United miles on credit card bonus categories
- Over half of small businesses have $50,000 or more in their business banking accounts
- Serve your audience and set small goals
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- California state sales tax
- Most popular: HO-3 insurance
- 26. Brewery or winery
- 15. Personal wellness
- Swagbucks
- 28. Become a marketing consultant
- 18. Start a dropshipping business.
- Best insurance company for discounts: Amica
- Prepaid-like options from fintechs: Apple Cash and Cash App
- Use dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSAs)
- How to make money from home
- 27. Hardware store
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card
- How do you claim tax deductions?
- Use multiple strategies
- How much is auto insurance for good and poor credit?
- 19. Maintain lawns in your area.
- Our pick for: Average credit and no annual fee
- 7. Exchange-traded funds
- Credit cards do cash back too
- 29. Develop an app
- Apple Cash: digital card
- 5 things to know about California state tax
- Broadest coverage: HO-5 insurance
- 12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag
- 28. Catering company
- 20. Become a virtual assistant.
- Maximize health savings accounts (HSAs)
- How to get cheap car insurance
- More small-business data from NerdWallet
- 16. Courses in hobbies or interests
- 29. Real estate agency
- Other ways to earn money
- How we picked the apps
- 30. Make a smart appliance
- Average annual car insurance costs for drivers with good vs. poor credit
- Personal loans
- Cash App debit card
- 21. Become a life coach.
- Limited coverage: HO-1 and HO-2 insurance
- Other notable options
- 30. Event venue and planner
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- 31. Tap into virtual reality experiences
- 13. Sell unused gift cards
- AvantCard Credit Card
- 8. Stocks
- 17. Bookkeeping and accounting
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- 31. Tattoo and piercing shop
- Our pick for: Limited credit
- Individual stocks
- 32. Make a niche dating site
- Best prepaid debit cards: Summary of fees and ATMs
- Nationwide: Best pet insurance for exotic pets
- 22. Manage a local business’s social media channels.
- 32. Veterinary office
- 33. Develop a chatbot
- What are prepaid debit cards?
- Best insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm
- How homeowners insurance works
- Major issuers and their policies on instant credit access
- 5. Earn United miles on flights
- 18. Consulting
- 14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
- 33. Food truck
- 34. Offer matchmaking skills
- How much is auto insurance based on age?
- 23. Monetize your own social media channels.
- Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
- Dividend stocks
- 34. Health clinic
- Student loans
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- 35. Be a virtual assistant
- 24. Become an SEO consultant.
- Our pick for: Good credit
- How much is auto insurance for young drivers?
- 35. Bakery
- Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards
- 25. Go freelance.
- 19. IT support
- 36. Reinvent exercising
- How to make money offline
- How to find the right business idea for your small town
- 37. Create eco-friendly, health-friendly makeup and beauty products
- Frequently asked questions about prepaid cards
- The bottom line
- Best insurance company for military members: USAA
- 15. Sell your gently used clothes
- 9. Alternative investments
- Meet a local demand
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- 20. Graphic design
- 38. Open a food truck or restaurant pop-up
- What is a prepaid debit card?
- Homeowners insurance deductibles
- Our pick for: Travel
- Taxes
- 39. Start an organization business
- Average annual car insurance costs for young drivers by company
- What is a prepaid credit card?
- Scout locations
- 40. Do interior design for young professionals
- 16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash
- 10. Cryptocurrency
- 21. Social media management
- Where can you get a prepaid card?
- Travel rewards
- Calculate the costs of starting a business
- Apple Card
- 6. Shop on the United MileagePlus shopping portal
- Pets Best: Best pet insurance for flexible plans
- How to choose a startup idea
- How do you add money to a prepaid card?
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- Our pick for: Instant gratification
- How much is auto insurance based on gender?
- Which prepaid card is best?
- 17. Get a babysitting gig
- The bottom line
- 22. Marketing copywriter
- 11. Real estate
- Best car insurance companies by state
- 23. Virtual assistant services
- Venmo Credit Card
- 18. Rent out your car
- Our pick for: Personalized rewards
- How to start a profitable business
- How much is auto insurance based on vehicle type?
- How to choose the best investments in 2024
- How to find the best car insurance
- 1. Do your research
- 19. Sign up for TaskRabbit
- 2. Get organized and make it official
- What else affects my car insurance cost?
- 20. Become a private tutor
- 3. Find the right financing
- 7. Visit restaurants through MileagePlus dining
- Spot: Best pet insurance for straightforward waiting periods
- How to get cheap car insurance
- 21. Drive for Uber, Lyft
- 8. Use the United MileagePlus X app
- 22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
- 23. Find work as a housesitter
- 9. Transfer points from hotels to United
- 24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
- 10. Earn United miles for staying at hotels
- How much is pet insurance?
- United’s hotel partners
- 25. Put your drone to work
- Rocketmiles
- United Hotels
- Watch out for making money scams
- How to find the best dog insurance
- Conditions common to your dog’s breed
- Your dog’s energy and activities
- Wellness expenses
- 11. Reserve vacation homes through Vrbo
- How to find the best cat insurance
- 12. Book car rentals
- Decide whether your cat needs insurance
- 13. Go on a cruise
- Wellness expenses
- How to compare pet insurance companies
- 14. Book a vacation through United Packages
- 1. Check whether your pet is eligible
- 15. Get identity protection from LifeLock with Norton
- 2. Research what’s covered
- 16. Purchase flowers
- 17. Take online surveys with e-Rewards and Opinion Miles Club
- 3. Decide how much coverage you want
- 18. Enroll in Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+)
- 4. Understand reimbursements and deductibles
- 19. Purchase wine with Vinesse
- 20. Shop on MyPoints
- 5. Check waiting periods
- 21. Order travel documents from VisaCentral
- 6. Examine extra costs
- 22. Donate to charity
- 23. Purchase tickets to Broadway plays
- 7. Compare quotes
- 24. Get the Timeshifter app to help with jet lag
- 25. Take out a home loan through Rocket Mortgage
- How we ranked the best pet insurance companies
- 26. Take out a business loan from MerchantRefi
- 27. Purchase flying wellness products from Therabody
- 28. Use energy providers NRG or Reliant
- 29. Buy a home security system through SimpliSafe
- 30. Purchase United MileagePlus miles
- Final thoughts on earning United miles
1. Delay your application
Social Security retirement benefits increase by roughly 5% to 7% each year that you delay between the earliest claiming age, 62, and your full retirement age, which is currently 66 and 2 months and rising to 67 for people born in 1960 and later.
The return you get increases if you can wait beyond your full retirement age. Delayed retirement credits boost your check by 8% for each year you hold off applying until age 70, when your benefit maxes out.
Pro tip: Most people are better off delaying, according to a large body of research that takes into account longer life spans, prevailing interest rates and survivors benefits. Many financial planners encourage their clients to tap other resources, such as retirement funds, if that allows them to put off applying.
2. Work longer
Social Security is based on a worker’s 35 highest-earning years. You may be able to boost your benefit by working longer if you’ll earn enough to replace one of your lower-paid years with a higher-paid one.
People who took time off to raise families or otherwise had breaks in their employment could find working longer to be especially helpful in increasing their benefit. (Note that if you start Social Security early, continuing to work could temporarily reduce your benefit.) Also, a woman’s income may be more likely than a man’s to increase later in life, increasing the potential payoff from continuing to work.
Pro Tip: If you start Social Security early, your benefit will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above a certain limit. The limit is $22,320 in 2024. This earnings test disappears at your full retirement age, so it’s usually best to wait at least until then to apply.
3. Earn more
Another way to increase your future Social Security check is to max out your earnings as many years as you can. In 2024 the first $168,600 of earnings is subject to Social Security tax. If you max out in all 35 of your highest-earning years, you’ll qualify for the maximum Social Security benefit at your full retirement age. The maximum Social Security benefit at full retirement age is $3,822 per month in 2024.
Pro tip: Sometimes self-employed people will try to minimize the amount of their income that’s subject to payroll taxes, but that maneuver can come back to bite them when it’s time to apply for Social Security. Paying a bit more taxes in the short run could pay off in a lifetime stream of higher, inflation-adjusted income.
4. Consider your spouse
Some lower-earning spouses could get more from taking a spousal benefit than from taking their own retirement benefit. Spousal benefits can be as much as 50% of what the higher earner gets at his or her full retirement age. The amount is discounted if started early. Typically the higher-earning spouse needs to be receiving a retirement benefit for the other partner to get a spousal benefit. In the past, higher earners could “file and suspend” to let their own benefits grow, but that’s no longer an option.
When you apply, Social Security will compare your spousal benefit to your own retirement benefit and give you the larger of the two. In most cases, you won’t be able to switch from a spousal benefit to your own benefit later, even if your own benefit would be larger. (People born before Jan. 2, 1954, have the option of filing a “restricted application” for spousal benefits only and then switching to their own benefit later.)
Couples should also think about survivor benefits when making Social Security decisions. When one spouse dies, the survivor will start getting only one check — the larger of the two checks the couple was receiving. The drop in income from the check that’s lost can be substantial. Couples can help mitigate the damage by ensuring the check that remains is as large as possible. That typically requires having the higher earner put off the start of Social Security, preferably at least until full retirement age.
Pro tip: Coordinating benefits with a spouse can get complicated. Consider using a Social Security claiming calculator to explore your options. There’s a free one at the AARP site, or you can pay for a more sophisticated versions at Social Security Solutions ($20 and up) or Maximize My Social Security ($39 and up).
5. Investigate divorced spouse benefits
If you’re currently unmarried but a previous marriage lasted at least 10 years, you could qualify for spousal benefits based on your ex’s work record. The amount can be up to 50% of the worker’s benefit at his or her full retirement age. If you remarry, however, the divorced spouse benefit stops. You must be at least 62 to get spousal benefits.
If your ex has died and the marriage lasted at least 10 years, you could qualify for survivor benefits of up to 100% of your ex’s benefit. You can remarry at 60 or older (or 50 and older if disabled) and still receive divorced survivor benefits. Survivor and divorced survivor benefits can begin at age 60, or at age 50 if the survivor is disabled, or at any age if you’re caring for your ex’s child who is under 16 or disabled (and in that case, the 10-year marriage requirement is waived). People receiving survivor benefits can switch to their own benefit later if that’s larger, and vice versa.
Pro tip: Your ex must be at least 62 for you to receive a divorced spousal benefit, but does not need to be receiving his or her own benefit. (That’s different from regular spousal benefits, which typically require the primary worker to apply before the spouse can receive anything.) Survivor benefits are based on what your ex was receiving or would have received at full retirement age. (If your ex delayed starting benefits past full retirement age, the survivor benefit is increased by those delayed retirement credits.) If you start benefits before your own full retirement age, however, the amount you get will be reduced.
6. Add your minor child
If you’re receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, your offspring may be entitled to a check as well. An unmarried minor child can receive up to 50% of the primary worker’s retirement or disability benefit. This child benefit typically ends at 18, but can continue to age 19 if the child is still in high school. Child benefits are also available to those 18 and older if they are disabled and the disability began before the child turned age 22.
There is a “family maximum” that limits how much a family can collect based on one worker’s earnings record. The maximum is between 150% and 188% of the worker’s monthly benefit at full retirement age. If your total family benefits would exceed the cap, the worker would continue to receive an unreduced check but the dependents’ checks would be proportionately reduced.
Pro tip: Family benefits, including child and spousal benefits, are subject to Social Security’s earnings test and may be reduced or even eliminated if the primary worker starts benefits early but continues to work.
7. Suspend your benefit
If you started Social Security early and decided that was a mistake, you can suspend your benefit once you reach your full retirement age. That will allow your benefit to earn the delayed retirement credit that increases the amount you get by 8% each year you delay until age 70, when your benefit maxes out. You don't have to pay back the benefits you've received.
Suspending your benefit, however, also suspends the benefit of anyone else receiving checks based on your work history, such as a spouse or a minor child. The potential increase in your benefit may not make up for the loss of your dependents’ benefits.
Pro tip: Sometimes Social Security workers incorrectly tell people they cannot suspend benefits. If that happens to you, refer them to this page on the Social Security website.
8. Use a do-over
If you change your mind within a year of applying for Social Security, you can withdraw your application and pay back everything you’ve received in benefits. That will restart the clock on your benefits so you can receive the 7% to 8% annual increase from delaying your application. You can do this only once in your lifetime, and you can’t withdraw your application after 12 months.
Pro tip: Withdrawing your application is different from suspending your benefit. You can suspend your benefit orally or in writing any time after reaching full retirement age. To withdraw, you must fill out Social Security Form SSA-521 within a year of applying and pay an amount equal to all the benefits you and your family have received, including any Medicare premiums withheld from your checks.
Estimate your Social Security retirement benefits
Your actual benefit may be lower or higher than estimate made with this calculator, because it does not take into account your actual earnings history.
We assume you have earnings every year until you begin receiving Social Security benefits. If you had several years of noncovered employment or your earnings changed significantly from year to year, this calculator will overestimate or underestimate your benefit.