12 Ways to Maximize Your Social Security Checks

Following these tips will ensure you receive all the retirement income you're entitled to — which might be more than you realize.

Marilyn Lewis • February 9, 2018

Gines Romero / Shutterstock.com

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 old-age safety net to a surprising degree by making some adjustments now or by making changes in your retirement planning.

The time to get started pumping up your Social Security checks is now, even if you’ve got decades to go before retirement. Following are some of the best ways to do just that.

660 Active Deals

Boulder Creek Men's Expedition Parka for $9 + $6 s&h

King Size Direct offers its Boulder Creek Men's Big & Tall Expedition Parka in several colors for $69.99. Coupon code "KSBHOLIDAY18" cuts it to $8.74. With $5.99 for shipping, that's $161 off and a great deal for this kind of jacket. It's available in sizes from S to 8XL.

Boulder Creek Men's Expedition Parka for $9 + $6 s&h

King Size Direct offers its Boulder Creek Men's Big & Tall Expedition Parka in several colors for $69.99. Coupon code ... Read more.

Updated: 1 hr 1 min ago

Walmart discounts a selection of items via its Holiday Deals Sale. (Prices are as marked.) Choose in-store pickup to avoid the $5.99 shipping fee, or get free shipping with orders of $35 or more. A couple of best bets:

Zmodo meShare 1080p Mini Wireless Camera 2-Pack for $39.99 $35 ($10 off)

SentrySafe Fireproof Safe and Waterproof Safe for $89.97 $85 (low by $18)

Walmart also recently announced plans for Black Friday. Check out our top picks from the Walmart Black Friday ad.

Walmart Holiday Deals Sale

Walmart discounts a selection of items via its Holiday Deals Sale. (Prices are as marked.) Choose in-store pickup to avoid ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 1 hr ago

Walmart discounts a selection of apparel, home items, electronics, toys, and more as part of its Pre-Black Friday Deals. Choose in-store pickup to dodge the $5.97 shipping fee, or bag free shipping on orders of $50 or more. A couple of best bets:

Lifetime 44" Adjustable Portable Basketball Hoop for $79.99 $75.99 ($50 off)

Sceptre 50" 1080p LED Flat HD Television for $199.99 ($20 low)

Walmart Pre-Black Friday Deals

Walmart discounts a selection of apparel, home items, electronics, toys, and more as part of its Pre-Black Friday Deals. Choose ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 1 hr ago

YouTube offers a selection of HD movies to stream for free (with ads). That's around $3 to $5 less than you'd pay for a rental of these movies elsewhere. Movies include The Terminator (pictured), Legally Blonde, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

HD Movie Streams at YouTube for free

YouTube offers a selection of HD movies to stream for free (with ads). That's around $3 to $5 less than ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 2 days ago

Costco discounts a selection of items during its Cyber Monday Sale. (Prices are as marked for Costco members; non-members pay 5% more. Several discounts are for members only.) Most items receive free shipping; otherwise, shipping starts at $1.99. Discounted items laptops, furniture, appliances, jewelry, and cameras.

Costco Cyber Monday Sale

Costco discounts a selection of items during its Cyber Monday Sale. (Prices are as marked for Costco members; non-members pay ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 6 days ago

Costco discounts a selection of major household appliances during its Holiday Appliance Sale. (Prices are as marked for Costco members; non-members pay a 5% surcharge. Many discounts are for members only.) Plus, most items receive free shipping; otherwise, shipping starts at $1.99.

Costco Holiday Appliance Sale

Costco discounts a selection of major household appliances during its Holiday Appliance Sale. (Prices are as marked for Costco members; ... Read more.

Updated: November 2, 2018

Samsung Early Access Black Friday TV Sale: Up to $1500 off + free shipping

Samsung takes up to $1,500 off a selection of QLED TVs and Frame TVs during its Early Access Black Friday TV Sale. (Most are at around $600 off.) Plus, these orders receive free shipping.

Not the deal you're looking for? Check out our Black Friday TV deal predictions to find out what kind of sales you can expect in the next few weeks.

Samsung Early Access Black Friday TV Sale: Up to $1500 off + free shipping

Samsung takes up to $1,500 off a selection of QLED TVs and Frame TVs during its Early Access Black Friday ... Read more.

Updated: November 2, 2018

Used Rolex Men's Watches at Ashford: Up to 57% off + free shipping

Ashford takes up to 57% off a selection of used Rolex men's watches, with prices starting from $3,900. Plus, all orders receive free shipping. A couple of best bets, with prices compared to the price of a used unit elsewhere:

Used Rolex Men's Datejust 36 Watch for $4,700 ($1,499 low)

Used Rolex Men's Explorer II Watch for $5,600 ($199 low)

Note: A 1-year Ashford warranty is included.

Used Rolex Men's Watches at Ashford: Up to 57% off + free shipping

Ashford takes up to 57% off a selection of used Rolex men's watches, with prices starting from $3,900. Plus, all ... Read more.

Updated: October 31, 2018

Walmart 20 Days of Deals: + free shipping w/ $25

Walmart discounts a selection of clothing, toys, electronics, and more during its 20 Days of Deals promotion. (The deals change daily). Shipping adds $5.99, although orders of $35 or more bag free shipping. (In-store pickup may also be available.) Deal ends December 20.

Walmart 20 Days of Deals: + free shipping w/ $25

Walmart discounts a selection of clothing, toys, electronics, and more during its 20 Days of Deals promotion. (The deals change ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 1 hr ago

As one of its daily deals, Meh offers the Atomic Lighter 4-Pack for $20 plus $5 for shipping. That's $95 better than Amazon's price and the best anywhere today by $76. They are windproof and USB rechargeable. Deal ends today.

Atomic Lighter 4-Pack for $20 + $5 s&h

As one of its daily deals, Meh offers the Atomic Lighter 4-Pack for $20 plus $5 for shipping. That's $95 ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 48 min ago

Jetson Bolt Folding Electric Scooter from $300 + free shipping

Costco offers its members the Jetson Bolt Folding Electric Scooter for $299.99 with free shipping. (Non-members pay $15 extra.) That's the lowest price we could find by $100. It features an LED headlight, LCD display, 16mph max speed, and carrying handle.

Jetson Bolt Folding Electric Scooter from $300 + free shipping

Costco offers its members the Jetson Bolt Folding Electric Scooter for $299.99 with free shipping. (Non-members pay $15 extra.) That's ... Read more.

Updated: November 10, 2018

Best Buy Green Monday Sale: Up to $500 off + free shipping

Today only, Best Buy cuts up to $500 off a selection of smartphones, TVs, computers, major appliances, toys, and more during its Green Monday Sale. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, all items receive free shipping. (Oversize items may incur additional fees; major appliance purchases of $399 or more receive free delivery.) Some notable discounts:

Up to $500 off select TVs

up to $500 off select DSLR and mirrorless cameras

up to $400 off Samsung Galaxy Note9, S9, or S9+

up to $200 off select laptops, Chromebooks, and 2-in-1s

$50 off select iPads

up to 35% off select major appliances

Our Green Monday Sale Page has other deals from Target, eBay, Macy's, and more.

Best Buy Green Monday Sale: Up to $500 off + free shipping

Today only, Best Buy cuts up to $500 off a selection of smartphones, TVs, computers, major appliances, toys, and more ... Read more.

Updated: 1 hr 46 min ago

eBay discounts select apparel, toys, TVs, laptops, tools, and more as part of its Green Monday Sale. Plus, all orders receive free shipping. New deals will be added throughout the day. Sale ends today.

eBay Green Monday Sale

eBay discounts select apparel, toys, TVs, laptops, tools, and more as part of its Green Monday Sale. Plus, all orders ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 13 min ago

Gap Factory: Up to 75% off + 15% off + free shipping w/ $50

Gap Factory takes up to 75% off sitewide. Plus, cut an extra 15% off via coupon code "SNOW". Shipping adds $7, although orders of $50 or more bag free shipping. Some exclusions apply. Deal ends December 10.

Gap Factory: Up to 75% off + 15% off + free shipping w/ $50

Gap Factory takes up to 75% off sitewide. Plus, cut an extra 15% off via coupon code "SNOW". Shipping adds ... Read more.

Updated: 6 days 1 hr ago

Burberry Sale: Up to 60% off + free shipping

Burberry cuts up to 60% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' apparel, shoes, and accessories. Plus, all items qualify for free shipping. That beats our Cyber Monday mention (which took up to 50% off) as the best sale we've seen from Burberry this year. Some notable discounts:

Men's socks start at $45

men's casual shirts start at $120

women's shoes start at $130

women's bags start at $360

Burberry Sale: Up to 60% off + free shipping

Burberry cuts up to 60% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' apparel, shoes, and accessories. Plus, all items ... Read more.

Updated: 2 days 21 hr ago

It's not the usual blah, blah, blah

Walmart discounts a selection of toys, electronics, tools, small appliances, apparel, and more during its Dashing through the Deals Sale. Choose in-store pickup to avoid the $5.99 shipping fee, or spend $35 or more to bag free shipping. A couple of best bets, both with free shipping:

Stanley x Black + Decker 20-volt Max 85-Piece Drill Kit for $49 (low by $17)

Evoo Quad-Core 11.6" 1080p Laptop for $109 (low by $49)

Walmart Dashing through the Deals Sale

Walmart discounts a selection of toys, electronics, tools, small appliances, apparel, and more during its Dashing through the Deals Sale. ... Read more.

Updated: 5 days 46 min ago

Panda Express takes 35% off online orders of any Family Feast Meal via coupon code "35YEARS". That's a savings of around $11 for a regular-priced meal, which includes three large entrees and two large sides. (Additional charges apply for premium entrees.) This offer is only valid for online orders. Deal ends December 31.

Panda Express Family Feast: 35% off

Panda Express takes 35% off online orders of any Family Feast Meal via coupon code "35YEARS". That's a savings of ... Read more.

Updated: November 2, 2018

Olay offers a sample of its Olay REgenerist Whip Cream for free when you fill out this form. That ties our September mention. Deal is available while supplies last.

Olay Whip Cream Sample for free

Olay offers a sample of its Olay REgenerist Whip Cream for free when you fill out this form. That ties ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 3 days ago

Samsung Galaxy Tab E 10" 16GB Android Tablet for $100 + free shipping

Walmart offers the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6" 16GB Android Tablet in Black bundled with a $25 Google Play Gift Card for $99.99 with free shipping. Assuming you'll use the gift card, that's a low by $73 and the best price we've seen. Features include a:

9.6" 1280x800 display, Qualcomm APQ 8016 1.2GHz quad-core processor

1.5GB RAM, 16GB internal storage

802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1

microSD card slot

5MP rear and 2MP front camera

Android 5.1 (Lollipop)

Samsung Galaxy Tab E 10" 16GB Android Tablet for $100 + free shipping

Walmart offers the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6" 16GB Android Tablet in Black bundled with a $25 Google Play Gift ... Read more.

Updated: 8 hr 23 min ago

Izod Men's Weekender Stretch Twill Pants for $14 + free shipping

Today only, Belk offers the Izod Men's Weekender 5-Pocket Stretch Twill Pants in several colors (Asphalt pictured) for $19.99. Coupon code "GREENMONDAY" cuts that to $13.99. With free shipping, that's the lowest price we could find by $16. They're available in select sizes from 32x30 to 40x32.

Izod Men's Weekender Stretch Twill Pants for $14 + free shipping

Today only, Belk offers the Izod Men's Weekender 5-Pocket Stretch Twill Pants in several colors (Asphalt pictured) for $19.99. Coupon ... Read more.

Updated: 1 hr 48 min ago

7-Eleven Oven-Baked Pizza for $1 + free delivery

Today only, participating 7-Eleven retail stores offer an Oven-Baked Pizza for $1 to celebrate the 1st birthday of 7NOW — 7-Eleven's delivery service. (Not a member? it's free to sign up.) With free delivery, that's a savings of at least $8 and a great deal for a pizza. It includes eight servings.

7-Eleven Oven-Baked Pizza for $1 + free delivery

Today only, participating 7-Eleven retail stores offer an Oven-Baked Pizza for $1 to celebrate the 1st birthday of 7NOW — ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 4 hr ago

Today only, Newegg discounts a selection of electronics, computers, toys, and home items during its Green Monday Sale. Plus, most items receive free shipping.

Note: Coupon code "MPGM18" takes $25 off an order of $200 or more when paying by Masterpass.

Newegg Green Monday Sale

Today only, Newegg discounts a selection of electronics, computers, toys, and home items during its Green Monday Sale. Plus, most ... Read more.

Updated: 7 hr 5 min ago

GameStop Green Monday Sale: + free shipping w/ $35

Today only, GameStop discounts a selection of consoles, video games, accessories, and collectibles during its Green Monday Sale. Choose in-store pickup to dodge the $5.99 shipping fee, or bag free shipping with orders of $35 or more. Some exclusions may apply.

The DealNews Green Monday section lists loads of other sales from eBay, Dell, Target, and more.

GameStop Green Monday Sale: + free shipping w/ $35

Today only, GameStop discounts a selection of consoles, video games, accessories, and collectibles during its Green Monday Sale. Choose in-store ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 2 min ago

Today only, T.J.Maxx offers no-minimum free shipping sitewide. That's tied with our mention from last week and yields a saving of at least $9 on all orders.

T.J.Maxx Free shipping sitewide

Today only, T.J.Maxx offers no-minimum free shipping sitewide. That's tied with our mention from last week and yields a saving ... Read more.

Updated: 1 hr 47 min ago

Reebok Men's Mixed Media Softshell Jacket for $15 + free shipping

Today only, Costco offers its members the Reebok Men's Mixed Media Softshell Jacket in Black or Navy for $18.99. In-cart the price falls to $14.99. With free shipping, that's the lowest price we could find by $9. It's available in sizes S to 3XL.

Reebok Men's Mixed Media Softshell Jacket for $15 + free shipping

Today only, Costco offers its members the Reebok Men's Mixed Media Softshell Jacket in Black or Navy for $18.99. In-cart ... Read more.

Updated: 1 hr 33 min ago

Dick's Sporting Goods Green Monday Sale: Up to $50 off $200 + free shipping

Today only, Dick's Sporting Goods takes $20 off orders of $100 or more, $35 off orders of $150 or more, and $50 off orders of $200 or more as part of its Green Monday Sale. (Discount applies in-cart.) Plus, all orders get free shipping. Some brand exclusions apply.

Dick's Sporting Goods Green Monday Sale: Up to $50 off $200 + free shipping

Today only, Dick's Sporting Goods takes $20 off orders of $100 or more, $35 off orders of $150 or more, ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 13 min ago

Burger King offers a Whopper Sandwich for 1 cent when you order via the Burger King app... within 600 feet of a McDonald's location. While this is likely the most blatantly troll-faced offer we'll ever list, it's also probably the best price we'll ever see for a Whopper. The deal is limited to one sandwich per customer. Comment below with a solemn promise to be responsible with this power, and not subject McDonald's employees to even the slight hazing they receive in Burger King's promo video.

Burger King Whopper Sandwich for 1 cent

Burger King offers a Whopper Sandwich for 1 cent when you order via the Burger King app... within 600 feet ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 20 hr ago

Belk Green Monday Sale: Extra 30% off + free shipping

Today only, Belk takes an extra 30% off tens of thousands of items sitewide via coupon code "GREENMONDAY" as part of its Green Monday Sale. (Home and shoes are discounted by 25% off, while coffee and small appliances get 20% off.) Plus, all orders bag free shipping. Combined, it's one of the best sales we've ever seen as Belk — no-minimum free shipping is incredibly rare on its own, let alone stacking with such a large discount. Some exclusions apply, including doorbusters, Super Buys, Bonus Buys, and clearance items.

Belk Green Monday Sale: Extra 30% off + free shipping

Today only, Belk takes an extra 30% off tens of thousands of items sitewide via coupon code "GREENMONDAY" as part ... Read more.

Updated: 1 hr ago

If you can't wait until Black Friday madness begins, you can take a look back at some of the best deals of the last week, and indulge yourself a little early:

LG 86" 4K HDR LED UHD Smart TV w/ $250 Dell Gift Card for $2,497 + free s&h

Gildan Men's V-Neck T-Shirt 5-Pack for $10.17 + pickup at Walmart

Serta Mattresses at Sam's Club from $398 + free s&h

Patagonia Men's Nano Puff Jacket for $138.99 w/ free s&h

eBay Better Black Friday Sale

Five of the Best Pre-Black Friday Deals

If you can't wait until Black Friday madness begins, you can take a look back at some of the best ... Read more.

Updated: November 17, 2018

We're three weeks away from the biggest shopping weekend of the year, but you can beat the crowds by taking a peek at some of this week's hottest deals:

Walmart Holiday Deals Sale

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro Tablet w/ Projector for $369.99 + $0 s&h

ASICS Men's Jolt Running Shoes for $22.99 + $0 s&h

G-Technology: Free shipping sitewide

Sony 65" 4K HDR UHD Smart TV w/ $350 Dell Gift Card for $1,199.98 + $0 s&h