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.

1,273 Active Deals

Clearance Items at Pier 1 Imports: Up to 90% off + free shipping w/ $49

Pier 1 Imports takes up to 90% off its selection of clearance items. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping starts at $5, but orders of $49 or more qualify for free shipping via coupon code "FREESHIP49". (In-store pickup my also be available for a number of items.)

Clearance Items at Pier 1 Imports: Up to 90% off + free shipping w/ $49

Pier 1 Imports takes up to 90% off its selection of clearance items. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping starts at ... Read more.

Updated: March 10, 2018

Best Buy discounts a selection of phones, laptops, TVs, cameras, and more during its 4-Day Sale. Plus, most items receive free shipping. (Opt for in-store pickup for items under $35 to avoid shipping charges.) Deal ends April 28. A few notable discounts:

up to 60% off internet security software

up to $200 off Microsoft Surface laptops

up to $250 off cell phones with plan activation

$350 off MacBook Pro laptops

Best Buy 4-Day Sale

Best Buy discounts a selection of phones, laptops, TVs, cameras, and more during its 4-Day Sale. Plus, most items receive ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 15 hr ago

Our statistics and charts at Castle DealNews tell us that you're probably reading this on your cell phone. While we're loath to tell you to stop browsing our site, once you're finished, you could do worse than amusing yourself with these, the five best free mobile apps we've seen this week:

Measure Map Pro for iPhone / iPad ($20 off cartographical fun)

Ultimate Guitar: Chords & Tabs for iPhone / iPad or Android ($3 off guitar tabs and lessons)

Newton Gravity Puzzle for iPhone / iPad or Android ($1 off this physics puzzler)

iRecorder Pro Audio Recorder for iPhone / iPad ($3 off this dictaphone substitute)

Plotaverse for iPhone / iPad ($5 off this photo animation suite)

The Best Free Mobile Apps of the Week

Our statistics and charts at Castle DealNews tell us that you're probably reading this on your cell phone. While we're ... Read more.

Updated: 5 days 7 hr ago

You've finished up your taxes and now you're scrambling to figure out ways to trim you budget. No worries! We've got your back with five hot deals you can score for just $5:

Men's Wearhouse Men's Leather Dress Belt for $5 + free shipping

Rear View Blind Spot Mirror 2-Pack for $5 + free shipping

Great Value 60W Equivalent LED Bulbs 4-Pack for $5 + pickup at Walmart

Adam Levine Men's Apparel at Kmart for $5 + free shipping w/ $25

Eucerin Q10 1.7-oz. Sensitive Skin Creme for $5 + free shipping

Five Deals for Five Bucks $5

You've finished up your taxes and now you're scrambling to figure out ways to trim you budget. No worries! We've ... Read more.

Updated: 6 days 12 hr ago

Uniqlo Sale: Up to 90% off + free shipping w/ $75

Uniqlo takes up to 90% off its selection of men's, women's, boys' and girls' sale items. Shipping adds $5, although orders of $75 or more bag free shipping. That's a savings of at least $5. A couple of best bets:

Uniqlo Men's Cotton Full-Zip Parka for $19.90 ($30 off)

Uniqlo Women's High-Waist Belted Narrow Skirt for $9.90 ($20 off)

Uniqlo Sale: Up to 90% off + free shipping w/ $75

Uniqlo takes up to 90% off its selection of men's, women's, boys' and girls' sale items. Shipping adds $5, although ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 16 hr ago

eBay coupon: 20% off $25 or more + free shipping

Over 100 eBay sellers take 20% off orders of $25 or more via coupon code "PREP4SUMMER". (A $50 maximum discount applies.) Plus, most eligible items receive free shipping. Some exclusions may apply. Shop for small appliances, power tools, sports collectibles, apparel, and outdoor gear. Deal ends April 30.

Note: The coupon can be used up to two times per eBay account and can't be combined with other coupons.

eBay coupon: 20% off $25 or more + free shipping

Over 100 eBay sellers take 20% off orders of $25 or more via coupon code "PREP4SUMMER". (A $50 maximum discount ... Read more.

Updated: 14 hr 46 min ago

Limited Edition Men's Grooming Bag for free + $7 s&h

Walmart offers the Limited Edition Men's Grooming Bag for free plus $7 for shipping. That's tied with last month's mention, a savings of $14, and the lowest price we could find. The kit contains:

Dove Men + Care Elements Mineral & Sage 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner

Dove Men + Care Elements Clean Comfort Body Wash

Degree Men MotionSense Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray Cool Rush

Stetson Original Cologne

Equate Men's 3-Blade Razor with 2 Replacement Cartridges

canvas carry bag

Limited Edition Men's Grooming Bag for free + $7 s&h

Walmart offers the Limited Edition Men's Grooming Bag for free plus $7 for shipping. That's tied with last month's mention, ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 17 hr ago

Levi's Men's Clearance at Macy's: Deals from $8 + free s&h w/beauty item

Macy's discounts a selection of Levi's men's clearance jeans, shirts, coats, shorts, and more, with prices starting at $8.33. Pad your order with a beauty item (eligible items start at $3) to bag free shipping; otherwise, shipping adds $10.95. (Orders of $48 or more ship free automatically.) A couple of best bets:

Levi's Men's 502 Regular Tapered Fit Jeans for $29.99 ($30 off)

Levi's Men's Zip-Up Motorcross Racer Jacket for $59.99 (pictured, $90 off)

Levi's Men's Clearance at Macy's: Deals from $8 + free s&h w/beauty item

Macy's discounts a selection of Levi's men's clearance jeans, shirts, coats, shorts, and more, with prices starting at $8.33. Pad ... Read more.

Updated: 6 days 17 hr ago

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

Lowe's takes up to 75% off clearance items, with prices starting from 74 cents 59 cents. (Most prices are as marked, but some items receive discounts in cart.) Plus, MyLowe's members bag free shipping on most orders. (Not a member? It's free to join. Larger items may incur oversized shipping fees.) A couple of best bets:

allen + roth 3-Light 23.87" Brushed Nickel Fixed Track Light Kit for $32.45 ($27 off)

Sylvania 15" W Brushed Nickel LED Flush Mount Light for $48.73 (pictured, low by $16)

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

Lowe's takes up to 75% off clearance items, with prices starting from 74 cents 59 cents. (Most prices are as ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 1 day ago

Allen Edmonds Factory-Seconds Flash Sale: Up to $200 off + free shipping

Allen Edmonds cuts up to $200 off its factory-second shoes, with prices starting at $77, during its Factory-Seconds Flash Sale. Plus, all orders receive free shipping. These shoes may have minor cosmetic blemishes that do not affect the fit, comfort, or durability of the shoes. Some sizes may be limited.

Allen Edmonds Factory-Seconds Flash Sale: Up to $200 off + free shipping

Allen Edmonds cuts up to $200 off its factory-second shoes, with prices starting at $77, during its Factory-Seconds Flash Sale. ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 17 hr ago

The North Face Jackets at Nordstrom Rack: Up to 65% off + free shipping w/ $100

Nordstrom Rack takes up to 65% off a selection of The North Face men's, women's, and kids' Jackets. Shipping adds $7.95, or get free shipping on orders of $100 or more. A couple of best bets:

The North Face Men's Insulation Alpine Fit Quilted Jacket for $69.99 + $8 s&h ($129 off)

The North Face Women's Fuse Progressor Fleece Hoodie for $89.50 + $8 s&h (low by $8)

The North Face Jackets at Nordstrom Rack: Up to 65% off + free shipping w/ $100

Nordstrom Rack takes up to 65% off a selection of The North Face men's, women's, and kids' Jackets. Shipping adds ... Read more.

Updated: March 27, 2018

Lids Clearance Sale: Up to 85% off + free shipping w/ $50

Lids continues to take up to 85% off items in its Clearance Sale. (Note that the largest discounts can be found in the "Under $5" section.) Shipping adds $4.99, although orders over $50 bag free shipping.

Lids Clearance Sale: Up to 85% off + free shipping w/ $50

Lids continues to take up to 85% off items in its Clearance Sale. (Note that the largest discounts can be ... Read more.

Updated: 6 days 8 hr ago

Vineyard Vines Whale of a Sale: Up to 50% off + free shipping w/ $125

Vineyard Vines takes up to 50% off sale styles during its Whale of a Sale. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping starts at $8.50, or get free shipping with orders of $125 or more. Deal ends April 30.

Vineyard Vines Whale of a Sale: Up to 50% off + free shipping w/ $125

Vineyard Vines takes up to 50% off sale styles during its Whale of a Sale. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 42 min ago

Udemy continues to offer a selection of online courses for free. Each course includes hours of content, and most are by far the best deals we could find for such classes. Here are a few interesting ones:

Dropshipping + Facebook + Shopify Master Class for free

Beginners Guide to Microsoft Excel Pivot Tables for free

TypeScript Design Patterns for free

How to Build Confidence in Your Abilities for free

Udemy Online Courses for free

Udemy continues to offer a selection of online courses for free. Each course includes hours of content, and most are ... Read more.

Updated: April 5, 2018

Through an abundance of caution, The FDA is ordering the recall of over 200 million eggs due to potential contamination by Salmonella Braenderup. Affected eggs fall within the Julian date range of 011 through 102 (January 11 to April 12) and are sold under brand names Coburn Farms, Country Daybreak, Food Lion, Glenview, Great Value, Nelms, and Sunshine Farms. Those who purchased the product can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Click here to read more about this recall notice.

FDA Recalls Over 200 Million Eggs

Through an abundance of caution, The FDA is ordering the recall of over 200 million eggs due to potential contamination ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 3 days ago

It's not the usual blah, blah, blah

Seva offers a SEVA Apple Chips sample for free when you fill out this short form. Expect it to arrive in four to six weeks.

SEVA Apple Chips Sample for free

Seva offers a SEVA Apple Chips sample for free when you fill out this short form. Expect it to arrive ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 5 hr ago

Walmart offers its Walmart Baby Welcome Box for free when you fill out this short form. It includes stage-relevant product samples. Allow up to five weeks for delivery.

Walmart Baby Welcome Box for free

Walmart offers its Walmart Baby Welcome Box for free when you fill out this short form. It includes stage-relevant product ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 1 day ago

Rear View Blind Spot Mirror 2-Pack for $5 + free shipping

Newchic offers this Rear View Blind Spot Mirror 2-Pack for $6.50. Coupon code "SPOT30" cuts it to $4.55. With free shipping, that's around a buck under what third-party sellers charge for similar via Amazon and eBay. They're 3mm thick and feature adhesive backs. Deal ends May 14.

Note: This item ships from China and may take two to six weeks to arrive.

Rear View Blind Spot Mirror 2-Pack for $5 + free shipping

Newchic offers this Rear View Blind Spot Mirror 2-Pack for $6.50. Coupon code "SPOT30" cuts it to $4.55. With free ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 6 days ago

Olay offers a sample of its Olay Whip Cream for free when you fill out this form. Deal is available while supplies last.

Olay Whip Cream Sample for free

Olay offers a sample of its Olay Whip Cream for free when you fill out this form. Deal is available ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 1 day ago

Lacoste at Spring: Extra 20% off + free shipping

Spring takes an extra 20% off a selection of already-reduced Lacoste men's, women's, and kids' styles. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, all orders bag free shipping. Prices for women's tops start at $23.20, men's polo shirts at $32, men's shoes at $50.40, and women's dresses at $60. Deal ends April 29.

Lacoste at Spring: Extra 20% off + free shipping

Spring takes an extra 20% off a selection of already-reduced Lacoste men's, women's, and kids' styles. (Prices are as marked.) ... Read more.

Updated: 6 hr 25 min ago

The North Face at Backcountry: Up to 60% off + free 2-day s&h w/ $50

Backcountry takes up to 60% off a selection of The North Face apparel, shoes, and accessories. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping starts at $5.95, but orders of $50 or more qualify for free 2-day shipping. Some exclusions may apply.

The North Face at Backcountry: Up to 60% off + free 2-day s&h w/ $50

Backcountry takes up to 60% off a selection of The North Face apparel, shoes, and accessories. (Prices are as marked.) ... Read more.

Updated: 5 days 15 hr ago

Southwest Nationwide Fares from $49 1-way

Southwest Airlines via DealBase discounts select Southwest Airlines 1-Way Fares Nationwide, with prices starting at $48.98 during its Spring & Fall Travel Sale. (On the DealBase landing page, click on "Southwest Airlines" in the top line to see this sale.) That's the lowest price we could find for these routes by at least $85. This price is valid for flights departing on May 8 from Albuquerque, NM, (ABQ) with arrival in Phoenix, AZ, (PHX). Note that blackout dates and other conditions may apply. Book this travel deal by May 3 for travel from May 8 through October 31.

Of note, you can sign up for a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase and earn 40,000 points when you spend $1,000 or more on purchases in the first three months your account is open.

Disclaimer: DealNews may receive a commission from Chase.

Southwest Nationwide Fares from $49 1-way

Southwest Airlines via DealBase discounts select Southwest Airlines 1-Way Fares Nationwide, with prices starting at $48.98 during its Spring & ... Read more.

Updated: 2 days 7 hr ago

Dick's Sporting Goods Bike Sale: Up to 50% off

Dick's Sporting Goods takes up to 50% off a selection of bikes and gear. (Prices are as marked.) Where available, choose in-store pickup to avoid shipping fees, which start at $5.99, although all bikes receive free shipping. Deal ends May 5. A couple of best bets:

GT Men's Aggressor Pro Mountain Bike for $299.98 (pictured, $300 off)

Nishiki Women's Anasazi Hybrid Bike for $349.98 ($200 off)

Dick's Sporting Goods Bike Sale: Up to 50% off

Dick's Sporting Goods takes up to 50% off a selection of bikes and gear. (Prices are as marked.) Where available, ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 11 hr ago

Put Your Name on NASA's Parker Solar Probe for free

This summer, NASA will launch the Parker Solar Probe. Sign up here for free to put your name in a memory card that will fly aboard the craft. A meaningless gesture, but no less cool for that (so-to-speak).

The probe is designed to get closer to the sun than any spacecraft in history and collect new data on solar activity and its effects on Earth; it will orbit the sun at around 450,000 miles per hour (which would take you from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. in one second). The launch window for the probe is between July 31 and August 19, and it should make its first close approach in December 2024. The deadline for submitting your name is April 27.

Put Your Name on NASA's Parker Solar Probe for free

This summer, NASA will launch the Parker Solar Probe. Sign up here for free to put your name in a ... Read more.

Updated: March 17, 2018

adidas Men's Climalite Game Time Polo Shirt for $10 + free shipping

Shively Sporting Goods via eBay offers the adidas Men's Climalite Game Time Polo Shirt in White for $9.99 with free shipping. That's $3 under our September mention and is the lowest price we could find by $17. It's available in size S only.

adidas Men's Climalite Game Time Polo Shirt for $10 + free shipping

Shively Sporting Goods via eBay offers the adidas Men's Climalite Game Time Polo Shirt in White for $9.99 with free ... Read more.

Updated: March 3, 2018

Columbia Clearance Styles at JCPenney: Up to 70% off + free shipping w/ $99

JCPenney takes up to 70% off a selection of Columbia men's and women's clearance styles. Shipping adds $8.95, although orders of $99 or more bag free shipping. (Ship-to-store pickup is also available for $3.95 and free for most orders over $25; free same-day pickup may also be available for select items.) A couple of best bets:

Columbia Women's Lightweight Fleece Jacket for $29.99 + $8.95 s&h ($45 off)

Columbia Men's Midweight Puffer Jacket for $44.99 + pickup (pictured, $105 off)

Columbia Clearance Styles at JCPenney: Up to 70% off + free shipping w/ $99

JCPenney takes up to 70% off a selection of Columbia men's and women's clearance styles. Shipping adds $8.95, although orders ... Read more.

Updated: April 5, 2018

Effetool 110-lb. Neodymium Recovery Magnet for $6 + free s&h from China

Newchic offers the Effetool 110.2-lb. Neodymium Recovery Magnet for $9. Coupon code "Magnet30" knocks that to $6.30. With free shipping, that's the lowest price we could find by $2, excluding the below mention. It measures 1.4" x 1.6" and features a removable hook. Deal ends May 19.

Note: This item ships from China and may take two to six weeks to arrive.

A close price: Mhestore2009 via eBay offers it for $6.39 with free shipping. (It ships from Hong Kong and may require two to eight weeks for delivery.

Effetool 110-lb. Neodymium Recovery Magnet for $6 + free s&h from China

Newchic offers the Effetool 110.2-lb. Neodymium Recovery Magnet for $9. Coupon code "Magnet30" knocks that to $6.30. With free shipping, ... Read more.

Updated: 6 days 17 hr ago

The North Face at Backcountry: Up to 65% off + free 2-day s&h w/ $50

Backcountry takes up to 65% off a selection of The North Face apparel, shoes, and accessories. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping starts at $5.95, but orders of $50 or more qualify for free 2-day shipping. Some exclusions may apply.

The North Face at Backcountry: Up to 65% off + free 2-day s&h w/ $50

Backcountry takes up to 65% off a selection of The North Face apparel, shoes, and accessories. (Prices are as marked.) ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 6 days ago

The North Face Past-Season Gear Sale: Up to 40% off + free shipping

The North Face takes up to 40% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' clothing and accessories and shoes during its Past-Season Gear Sale. Plus all orders receive free shipping. A couple of best bets:

The North Face Men's Thermoball Traction Mules IV Loafers for $30 (pictured, low by $8)

The North Face Women's Pink Ribbon Glacier 1/4-Zip Fleece for $33 ($22 off)

The North Face Past-Season Gear Sale: Up to 40% off + free shipping

The North Face takes up to 40% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' clothing and accessories and shoes ... Read more.

Updated: March 14, 2018

Columbia Web Specials: Up to 60% off + free shipping

Columbia takes up to 60% off a selection of its men's, women's, and kids' apparel and shoes via coupon code "COL2APR18" during its Web Specials Sale. (The discount is taken from the item's original price; it doesn't stack with the sale price.) Plus, Greater Rewards members receive free shipping. (Not a member? It's free to sign up.) Deal ends May 1.

Columbia Web Specials: Up to 60% off + free shipping

Columbia takes up to 60% off a selection of its men's, women's, and kids' apparel and shoes via coupon code ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 10 hr ago

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