Money Talks News - Social Security helps put the gold in your golden years.
So if you want to maximize your Social Security, you need to begin thinking about it before your hair turns grey.
The first tip to maximizing Social Security is understanding what it is and how it works.
For example, they start by averaging your highest 35-years of earnings. If you work less than 35 years, you will have no earnings in those years. So try and work the full 35.
Another tip is to know what you will get.
The maximum benefit as of today is $2,700. If you think you will need more, you need to start saving for retirement.
Of course, when to begin taking social security is also important.
You can begin to take benefits as early as age 62.
However if you wait until age 70, your monthly check can increase by more than 30 percent.
But knowing when to claim, especially if you are married, can be tricky,
So don't be ashamed to pay for professional help.
"Social Security is very complex," said Jeff Miller of Social Security Choices. "And there's a big difference in terms of the benefits you can receive if you pursue an optimal strategy."
Professional can use computers to determine the exact age for couples to claim Social Security to maximize their benefit.
The report costs about $40, but could result in thousands of extra dollars.
For more tips, head to the Money Talks News website and search for Social Security.
