16 Ways to Get Bigger Checks From Social Security

Small decisions you make now can be worth tens of thousands of dollars in your golden years.

Marilyn Lewis • February 11, 2015

Photo (cc) by jonolist

If you have focused all your retirement planning energy on your 401(k), you may be missing a key piece of the puzzle: Social Security. You can influence your eventual payout from this safe, dull old-age safety net to a surprising degree by making some adjustments and changes in your planning.

The time to get started pumping up your Social Security checks is now, even if you’ve got decades to go before retirement, as Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson explains in the video below. Check it out, then read on.

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Apple Announces New iPhone XS and XS Max from $999 to $1,499

Today, Apple announced its brand new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max Smartphones. Both phones will feature:

A12 Bionic chip — the industry's first 7 nanometer processor

3D Touch and a speed-enhanced Face ID

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IP68 water-resistance rating (it's waterproof up to 6.5 feet for up to 30 minutes)

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iOS 12

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Update: Pricing is as follows for unlocked phones:

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iPhone XS 256GB for $1,149

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iPhone XS Max 512GB for $1,499

Preorders open at 3 am ET on September 15; the phones will be released on September 21.

Also announced today:

Apple iPhone XR

Apple Watch Series 4

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Update 2: It's now out of stock at Best Buy, but can still be preordered at GameStop and Walmart for $99.99 with free shipping.

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iPhone XR Announced, Priced From $749 for $749

Today, Apple announced its new Apple iPhone XR Smartphone. A spiritual successor to the iPhone 8, although more similar to the iPhone X, it features:

A12 Bionic chip (shared with the higher-end iPhone XS)

6.1" Liquid Retina 1792x828 LCD display

Advanced Face ID

single-lens, 12MP rear camera with depth control and Smart HDR

7MP front camera with Animoji and Memoji

dual SIM card slots

iOS 12

six color choices, including a (Product) RED version

It's available with three capacity options: a 64GB model for $749, a 128GB model for $799, or a 256GB model for $899. All three will be released on October 26, with preorders launching on October 19.

Also announced today:

Apple iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max

Apple Watch Series 4

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In select areas, Walmart Grocery takes $10 off orders of $50 or more via coupon code "KINDNESS". That's tied with our mention from July as the best deal we've seen on smaller orders from Walmart Grocery. This service allows customers to have their groceries delivered or ready for pickup depending on ZIP code. Coupon ends October 31.

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Versace Shoes at Nordstrom Rack: 70% off + free shipping

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