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.

1,048 Active Deals

Apple Sale Event at Best Buy: Up to $200 off + free shipping w/ $35

Best Buy takes up to $200 off a selection of Apple systems, devices, and accessories as part of its Apple Sale Event. Choose in-store pickup to avoid shipping fees, or get free shipping with orders of $35 or more. Discounted items include MacBooks, iPads, iPhone 7, and Apple Watch Series 3 smartwatches.

Apple Sale Event at Best Buy: Up to $200 off + free shipping w/ $35

Best Buy takes up to $200 off a selection of Apple systems, devices, and accessories as part of its Apple ... Read more.

Updated: July 20, 2018

Best Buy discounts a selection of phones, tablets, laptops, appliances, TVs, and more during its 52nd Anniversary Event. Plus, most items receive free shipping. (Opt for in-store pickup for items under $35 to avoid shipping charges.) A few notable discounts:

Up to $700 off a selection 4K TVs

up to 30% off select appliances

up to $150 off select Lenovo computers

up to $150 off select Arlo smart security devices

Best Buy 52nd Anniversary Sale

Best Buy discounts a selection of phones, tablets, laptops, appliances, TVs, and more during its 52nd Anniversary Event. Plus, most ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 38 min ago

Van Gogh High-Res Digital Prints for free

Wish you could afford a Van Gogh piece? Well, you're in luck. Kind of. The Van Gogh Museum offers a selection of Van Gogh High-Resolution Digital Print downloads for free. This is pretty much the same as owning an original, right? Well, those are valued at $100 million and aren't for sale. However, you could always print these out and hang them on the wall to achieve the illusion of grandeur. And isn't that what life's all about? The illusion of grandeur.

Van Gogh High-Res Digital Prints for free

Wish you could afford a Van Gogh piece? Well, you're in luck. Kind of. The Van Gogh Museum offers a ... Read more.

Updated: July 13, 2018

Google Play offers downloads of the following MP3 albums for free:

KISS "Icon" MP3 Album for free (pictured, low by $8)

Johnny Cash "Icon" MP3 Album for free (low by $6)

Kenny Rogers "Icon" MP3 Album for free (low by $8)

Loretta Lynn "Icon" MP3 Album for free (low by $13)

Black Eyed Peas "The E.N.D." MP3 Album for free (low by $5)

MP3 Albums at Google Play for free

Google Play offers downloads of the following MP3 albums for free: KISS "Icon" MP3 Album for free (pictured, low by ... Read more.

Updated: June 30, 2018

Newegg cuts up to 80% off a selection of speakers, headphones, TVs, and phones during its Electronics Sale. Many items qualify for free shipping. Among the discounted brands are Bose, Pioneer, Samsung, and Apple.

Newegg Electronics Sale: Up to 80% off

Newegg cuts up to 80% off a selection of speakers, headphones, TVs, and phones during its Electronics Sale. Many items ... Read more.

Updated: 6 days 3 hr ago

Lowe's Summer Clearance Sale: Up to 75% off + free shipping

Lowe's takes up to 75% off a selection of clearance items during its Summer Savings Sale. Plus, MyLowe's members receive free shipping. (Not a member? It's free to sign up. Items over 150 lbs. incur additional surcharges. In-store pickup may also be available.) A couple of best bets:

DeWalt Tough Grip 70-Piece Screwdriver Bit Set for $13.48+ $0 s&h ($17 off)

Kobalt 76-Pack Gold Oxide Twist Drill Bit Set for $15.98 + pickup ($14 off)

Lowe's Summer Clearance Sale: Up to 75% off + free shipping

Lowe's takes up to 75% off a selection of clearance items during its Summer Savings Sale. Plus, MyLowe's members receive ... Read more.

Updated: July 28, 2018

Lady Antebellum "Muve Sessions" MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of Lady Antebellum's "Muve Sessions: Golden" MP3 Album for free. That's $8 under the lowest price we could find for the regular version elsewhere. This edition features 12 commentary tracks in addition to the 12 music tracks.

Lady Antebellum "Muve Sessions" MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of Lady Antebellum's "Muve Sessions: Golden" MP3 Album for free. That's $8 under the lowest price ... Read more.

Updated: July 5, 2018

Google Play offers downloads of the "Meet Glen Campbell" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we could find by $9 for this 11-track album.

"Meet Glen Campbell" MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of the "Meet Glen Campbell" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we could find ... Read more.

Updated: July 5, 2018

Google Play offers downloads of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band "Icon" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we could find by $5 for this 11-track album.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band "Icon" MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band "Icon" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we ... Read more.

Updated: July 4, 2018

4 Pairs of Rockport Men's or Women's Shoes for $95 + $5 s&h... or less

Rockport Outlet discounts a selection of its men's and women's shoes to $29.99. (Set the sort filter to "Lowest Price" to quickly see these deals.) Even better, add four pairs of these styles to cart for $119.96 and apply coupon code "SUMMERENDS25" to drop that to $94.96. Shipping adds $5, or get free shipping with orders of $100 or more. Including shipping, that's essentially $25 per pair and a very low per-pair for such a selection of Rockport shoes. Coupon ends August 20.

If you create an account, you can get free shipping for one year. Don't like the $29.99-priced styles? The same coupon can also be used to take $25 off orders of $100 or more.

4 Pairs of Rockport Men's or Women's Shoes for $95 + $5 s&h... or less

Rockport Outlet discounts a selection of its men's and women's shoes to $29.99. (Set the sort filter to "Lowest Price" ... Read more.

Updated: 2 days 23 hr ago

Google Play offers downloads of the Boyz II Men "Icon" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we could find by $7 for this 11-track album.

Boyz II Men "Icon" MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of the Boyz II Men "Icon" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we could ... Read more.

Updated: July 4, 2018

Google Play offers downloads of the Enrique Iglesias "Sex and Love" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we could find for this 16-track album by $11.

Enrique Iglesias "Sex and Love" MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of the Enrique Iglesias "Sex and Love" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we ... Read more.

Updated: July 5, 2018

Walmart discounts a wide selection of items — including electronics, furniture, apparel, and more — as part of its Big Savings Event. In many cases, you can opt for in-store pickup to avoid shipping fees of $5.99. (Orders over $35 receive free shipping, but oversized items may incur additional charges.) A couple of best bets:

Rawlings Den Bronco Canopy for $103.02 + free s&h ($66 off)

JVC 65" 4K Flat LED Ultra HD Television for $499.99 + pickup ($200 off)

Walmart Big Savings Event

Walmart discounts a wide selection of items — including electronics, furniture, apparel, and more — as part of its Big ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 9 hr ago

Google Play offers downloads of George Strait's Icon MP3 Album for free. That's $14 less than buying each track individually. This compilation album was originally released in 2011.

George Strait "Icon" MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of George Strait's Icon MP3 Album for free. That's $14 less than buying each track individually. ... Read more.

Updated: July 7, 2018

eBay End of Season Sale: Up to 70% off + free shipping

eBay takes up to 70% off a wide selection of items as part of its End of Season Sale. Plus, most orders qualify for free shipping. Shop for apparel, accessories, home and garden items, tools, and more. Deal ends August 27.

eBay End of Season Sale: Up to 70% off + free shipping

eBay takes up to 70% off a wide selection of items as part of its End of Season Sale. Plus, ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 10 hr ago

It's not the usual blah, blah, blah

Google Play offers downloads of the Selena "Icon" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we could find by $7 for this 11-track album.

Selena "Icon" MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of the Selena "Icon" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we could find by ... Read more.

Updated: July 4, 2018

Samsung Galaxy Note9 preorders: How to get up to $450 off

Samsung has announced its new Samsung Galaxy Note9 Android Smartphone. Highlights of the latest Note model include a 6.4" 2960x1440 Infinity Display, 10nm processor with up to 8GB RAM, AKG stereo speakers, and a water-carbon cooling system. (This is a phone that's especially designed for mobile gaming, like Fortnite.)

The Note9 is available with 128GB storage for $999.99 or 512GB storage for $1,249.99. The best way to save on preorders — it's due for release on August 24 — is to consider trading in an older device. Current trade-in offers include:

T-Mobile: 50% off Galaxy Note9 with trade-in of eligible Samsung device (with 24 monthly bill credits)

Best Buy: Up to $450 off an unlocked Galaxy Note9 with trade-in of select smartphones

Samsung: Up to $450 off Galaxy Note9 (locked or unlocked) with trade-in of select smartphones

Alternatively, if you're a Sprint customer, you can score a 128GB Galaxy Note9 for $20.83/mo. with an 18-month Sprint Flex lease. (A $20.84/mo. credit will be applied within two billing cycles.) It'll also be released for Sprint two days earlier, on August 22.

Samsung Galaxy Note9 preorders: How to get up to $450 off

Samsung has announced its new Samsung Galaxy Note9 Android Smartphone. Highlights of the latest Note model include a 6.4" 2960x1440 ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 2 days ago

Google Play offers downloads of Brantley Gilbert's "Just As I Am" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we could find by $15 for this 11-track album.

Brantley Gilbert's "Just As I Am" MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of Brantley Gilbert's "Just As I Am" MP3 Album for free. That's the lowest price we ... Read more.

Updated: July 6, 2018

Below we've rounded up five of the best-performing sales from throughout the week that are still available for your perusal:

Amazon Warehouse Deals: Extra 20% off + free s&h w/ Prime

Best Buy 52nd Anniversary Sale

Newegg Electronics Sale: Up to 80% off

Walmart Back to College Sale

eBay End of Season Sale: Up to 70% off + free s&h

5 Popular Sales From This Week

Below we've rounded up five of the best-performing sales from throughout the week that are still available for your perusal: ... Read more.

Updated: 5 hr 43 min ago

Landers offers its Landers Natural Pest Repellent Sample for free. (Simply provide contact and address information.) All ingredients are natural.

Landers Natural Pest Repellent Sample for free

Landers offers its Landers Natural Pest Repellent Sample for free. (Simply provide contact and address information.) All ingredients are natural. Read more.

Updated: July 13, 2018

Oakley Sale: 50% off + free shipping w/ $100

Oakley takes 50% off a selection of men's and women's apparel and accessories. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $8, or bag free shipping on orders over $100.

Oakley Sale: 50% off + free shipping w/ $100

Oakley takes 50% off a selection of men's and women's apparel and accessories. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $8, ... Read more.

Updated: July 21, 2018

DSW Price Drop Clearance: Up to 70% off + free shipping

DSW takes up 70% off select men's, women's, and kids' shoes and accessories during its Price Drop Clearance Event. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, all DSW VIP members bag free shipping. (Not a member? It's free to join.) Socks start at $1.98, kids' sneakers at $7.98, women's sandals at $9.98, and men's shoes at $19.98, but sizes are limited.

DSW Price Drop Clearance: Up to 70% off + free shipping

DSW takes up 70% off select men's, women's, and kids' shoes and accessories during its Price Drop Clearance Event. (Prices ... Read more.

Updated: June 26, 2018

ASICS July Semi-Annual Sale: Up to 50% off + free shipping w/ $50

ASICS takes up to 50% off select items during its Semi-Annual Sale. Shipping adds $5, or spend $50 or more to bag free shipping. Some exclusions may apply.

ASICS July Semi-Annual Sale: Up to 50% off + free shipping w/ $50

ASICS takes up to 50% off select items during its Semi-Annual Sale. Shipping adds $5, or spend $50 or more ... Read more.

Updated: July 5, 2018

Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" 3-Song MP3 Sampler for free

Google Play offers downloads of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds: Best Buy Digital Exclusive MP3 Album for free. Note that this isn't a full album, but a collection of three remastered live performances from London in 1968. Still, you'd otherwise be paying $1.29 apiece for each track.

Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" 3-Song MP3 Sampler for free

Google Play offers downloads of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds: Best Buy Digital Exclusive MP3 Album for free. Note that ... Read more.

Updated: July 7, 2018

Oral-B Mint Essential Floss 54-Yard 2-Pack for 18 cents + pickup at Walgreens

Walgreens offers 2 Oral-B 54-Yard Essential Floss Containers in Mint for 18 cents, via the steps below. Opt for in-store pickup where available to avoid the $5.99 shipping charge. That's the lowest price we could find by about $4. It features a wax coating and is shred-resistant. To get this price:

View the Oral-B 54-Yard Essential Floss for $1.99

clip the $3 off coupon on the product page

add two to your cart and apply code "AUGUST20" for a final price of 18 cents

Oral-B Mint Essential Floss 54-Yard 2-Pack for 18 cents + pickup at Walgreens

Walgreens offers 2 Oral-B 54-Yard Essential Floss Containers in Mint for 18 cents, via the steps below. Opt for in-store ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 50 min ago

Google Play offers downloads of The Rat Pack's Icon MP3 Album for free. That's a savings of $14 against buying each of these songs on their own. This 11-track album features classic tunes from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. Several of them are remastered.

The Rat Pack "Icon" MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of The Rat Pack's Icon MP3 Album for free. That's a savings of $14 against buying ... Read more.

Updated: July 12, 2018

Walmart Back to College Sale for $100 + free shipping w/ $35

Walmart discounts select laptops, furniture, decor, small appliances, and more during its Back to College Sale. Opt for in-store pickup to avoid the $5.99 shipping fee, or spend $35 or more to receive free shipping. A couple of best bets:

Canon Pixma MG2522 Multifunction Color Inkjet Printer for $19 + pickup (low by $12)

Seiki 31.5" 720p LED-Backlit LCD HD Television for $99.99 + $0 s&h ($47 low)

Walmart Back to College Sale for $100 + free shipping w/ $35

Walmart discounts select laptops, furniture, decor, small appliances, and more during its Back to College Sale. Opt for in-store pickup ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 36 min ago

Google Play offers downloads of the Grace Potter & The Nocturnals MP3 Album for free. That's a savings of $8 for this 14-track album.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals MP3 Album for free

Google Play offers downloads of the Grace Potter & The Nocturnals MP3 Album for free. That's a savings of $8 ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 5 days ago

Gap coupon: Extra 50% off sale items + free shipping

Gap takes an extra 50% off sale items via coupon code "EXTRA". (This discount applies to items with prices ending in .99 and .97.) Even better, coupon code "COOL" bags free shipping. (Shipping normally adds $7 for orders under $50.) That's tied as the best extra discount we've seen combined with no-minimum free shipping from Gap this year. Deal ends August 20.

Gap coupon: Extra 50% off sale items + free shipping

Gap takes an extra 50% off sale items via coupon code "EXTRA". (This discount applies to items with prices ending ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 2 hr ago

Walmart discounts over 1,500 items as part of its Summer Savings Sale. Opt for in-store pickup to avoid a $5.99 shipping fee, or spend $35 or more for free shipping. A couple of best bets:

Sceptre 32" 720p Flat LED HD Television for $89.99 (pictured, low by $21)

Mainstays Stanton Cushioned 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set for $169 (low by $30)

Walmart Summer Savings Sale for $90

Walmart discounts over 1,500 items as part of its Summer Savings Sale. Opt for in-store pickup to avoid a $5.99 ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 4 days ago

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