Social Security Benefits

There are certain situations where claiming Social Security benefits at age 62 could be your only option. Here are a few.

The federal government may soon default on its financial obligations unless lawmakers raise or suspend the debt ceiling before the start of the next fiscal year on Oct. 1.

Your Social Security benefit is calculated from your earnings record, which comes from employer reporting.

The monthly Social Security benefit you're able to collect in retirement will hinge on how much money you earn during your 35 highest income-earning years.

The latest Social Security Trustees' report shows just how bad the situation is.

Benefit cuts are now on the table. Here's what it could mean for you.

One simple move could leave you with more monthly retirement income to enjoy.

You could be left with too little money if you don't prepare yourself.

The primary Social Security trust fund for retirees will run out of money in 2033, one year earlier than previously estimated, according to an annual report released Tuesday.

The first step is to make note of what you already have. Write down the balances of all your retirement accounts, and don't forget about old accounts from previous employers.

Here are three retirement surprises others have faced before you, and how to get ahead of them.

If you don't have emergency savings, you may be inclined to tap another cash source -- your retirement account.

How much you receive in Social Security payments could mean the difference between a comfortable retirement and living on a fixed income.

You pay into Social Security your entire working career with the hope that it will cover your retirement expenses when you stop working. This guaranteed income source could be a major lifeline for you, and if you're like the average person, it will replace about 40% of your working income.

Here's how to help ensure that Social Security takes good care of you as a senior.

Filing for benefits at 62 will lower them in the process. Here's why that's a wise move anyway.

Don't have enough savings? Consider these out-of-the-box solutions.

If your Social Security checks aren't cutting it, you can make ends meet by doing these three things.

As you plan for retirement, there are a few rules that you can break - here are three of them.

If you're a married couple, try this strategy to maximize your retirement savings.