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.

722 Active Deals

Walmart discounts a selection of clearance items in its Fall Clearance Sale. 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:

iView Maximus III 12" Touch 2-in-1 Laptop for $129 ($70 off)

Sceptre 43" 1080p Flat LED HD Television for $179.99 ($46 off)

Walmart Fall Clearance

Walmart discounts a selection of clearance items in its Fall Clearance Sale. Choose in-store pickup to avoid the $5.99 shipping ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 9 min ago

Refurb Surface 3 Tablets at Dell Refurb Store: 50% off + free shipping

Dell Refurbished Store cuts 50% off a selection of refurbished Microsoft Surface 3 Tablets via coupon code "SURFACE3DEAL", with prices starting at $249.50 after coupon. Plus, the same code bags free shipping. Some exclusions apply, including clearance items. Deal ends October 31.

Note: These items are covered by a 100-day Dell warranty.

Refurb Surface 3 Tablets at Dell Refurb Store: 50% off + free shipping

Dell Refurbished Store cuts 50% off a selection of refurbished Microsoft Surface 3 Tablets via coupon code "SURFACE3DEAL", with prices ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 23 hr ago

Lacoste Last Chance Semi-Annual Sale:: 30% to 50% off + free shipping w/ $75

Lacoste cuts 30% to 50% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' items during its Semi-Annual Sale. (Select "Sale" from the menu on the left-hand side to see the deals.) Shipping adds $8 or get free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Some exclusions may apply.

Lacoste Last Chance Semi-Annual Sale:: 30% to 50% off + free shipping w/ $75

Lacoste cuts 30% to 50% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' items during its Semi-Annual Sale. (Select "Sale" ... Read more.

Updated: August 20, 2018

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

Super Retina display

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

Dolby Vision and HDR10

Dual 12MP rear cameras with wide and telephoto lenses plus 7MP front-facing camera

Dual SIM card slots

iOS 12

As for their differences, the iPhone XS will have a 5.8" 2436x1125 OLED, while the iPhone XS Max will have a 6.5" 2688x1242 OLED (the largest one ever). Both phones will come in three colors (Gold, Space Grey, and Silver) and three capacities (64GB, 256GB, and 512GB).

Update: Pricing is as follows for unlocked phones:

iPhone XS 64GB for $999

iPhone XS 256GB for $1,149

iPhone XS 512GB for $1,349

iPhone XS Max 64GB for $1,099

iPhone XS Max 256GB for $1,249

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

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 ... Read more.

Updated: September 12, 2018

Clearance Hats at Lids for $5 + pickup at Lids

Lids discounts a selection of clearance hats (Star Wars Vader Pin Hat pictured) to $5. Opt for in-store pickup to avoid the $4.99 shipping charge. (Orders of $50 or more also bag free shipping.) That yields a saving of up to $23, and ties last week's mention as the best deal we've seen from Lids this year.

Clearance Hats at Lids for $5 + pickup at Lids

Lids discounts a selection of clearance hats (Star Wars Vader Pin Hat pictured) to $5. Opt for in-store pickup to ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 37 min ago

TradePub offers downloads of Matt Malouf's The Stop Doing List: More Time, More Profit, More Freedom eBook for free. That's the lowest price we could find by $12. Deal ends October 17.

"The Stop Doing List" eBook for free

TradePub offers downloads of Matt Malouf's The Stop Doing List: More Time, More Profit, More Freedom eBook for free. That's ... Read more.

Updated: 5 days 19 hr ago

Udemy offers the Learn to Code with Ruby Course for $11.99. Coupon code "RUBYONE" makes it free. That's a savings of $200 off list price. It features over 30 hours of coding lectures.

Learn to Code with Ruby for free

Udemy offers the Learn to Code with Ruby Course for $11.99. Coupon code "RUBYONE" makes it free. That's a savings ... Read more.

Updated: September 24, 2018

ASICS Men's or Women's Gel-Sonoma 3 Shoes for $24 + free shipping

ASICS via Rakuten offers its ASICS Men's GEL-Sonoma 3 Running Shoes in several colors (Black/Sulphur Spring pictured) for $29.99. Coupon code "APPAREL20" cuts that to $23.99. With free shipping, that's $2 under last week's mention and the best price we've seen. (It's a low now by $11.) They're available in select medium and extra-wide sizes from 7 to 9.5 12.

Also available are the ASICS Women's GEL-Sonoma 3 Running Shoes in several colors for $23.99 via the same code. With free shipping, that's also $2 below last week's mention and the lowest price we've seen. (It's the best deal today by $11.) They're available in select medium and wide sizes from 5 to 12. Both deals end October 22.

ASICS Men's or Women's Gel-Sonoma 3 Shoes for $24 + free shipping

ASICS via Rakuten offers its ASICS Men's GEL-Sonoma 3 Running Shoes in several colors (Black/Sulphur Spring pictured) for $29.99. Coupon ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 23 hr ago

Walmart Back to College Sale: + 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:

Acer Intel Braswell Celeron 1.6GHz 15.6" Chromebook for $149 (pictured, $50 off)

Sharp 50" 4K HDR LED UHD Smart TV for $279.99 ($120 off)

Walmart Back to College Sale: + 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: August 21, 2018

High Sierra RipRap Backback for $10 + $2 s&h

Costco offers its members the High Sierra RipRap Backback in several colors (Blue pictured) for $9.97 plus $1.99 for shipping. That's the lowest in-stock price we could find by $18. It features a 15" padded laptop sleeve, fleece-lined loft pocket, organizer, beverage pocket, and mesh shoulder straps.

High Sierra RipRap Backback for $10 + $2 s&h

Costco offers its members the High Sierra RipRap Backback in several colors (Blue pictured) for $9.97 plus $1.99 for shipping. ... Read more.

Updated: 2 days 21 hr ago

Serta Dream Convertible Avanzo Sofa for $507 + free shipping

Hayneedle via Walmart offers the Serta Dream Convertible Avanzo Sofa in Java for $506.91 with free shipping. That's the lowest price we could find by $123. It converts into a bed and has a hidden storage compartment.

Serta Dream Convertible Avanzo Sofa for $507 + free shipping

Hayneedle via Walmart offers the Serta Dream Convertible Avanzo Sofa in Java for $506.91 with free shipping. That's the lowest ... Read more.

Updated: September 7, 2018

Python Programming Bible Online Course for free

Udemy offers the Python Programming Bible Online Course for $11.99. Coupon code "FREECOUPON" makes it free. That's tied with our mention from three weeks ago, $100 off list, and the best price we could find. It includes lifetime access to over six hours of on-demand video and 13 articles.

Python Programming Bible Online Course for free

Udemy offers the Python Programming Bible Online Course for $11.99. Coupon code "FREECOUPON" makes it free. That's tied with our ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 4 days ago

Lucky Brand takes up to 75% off select men's and women's styles (Prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $5, although orders of $25 $75 or more get free shipping. Men's and women's jeans start at $19.99, T-shirts start at $9.98, and dresses start at $21.99 $29.98.

Note: Many of these styles are final sale and cannot be exchanged/returned.

Lucky Brand Sale: Up to 75% off + free shipping w/ $75

Lucky Brand takes up to 75% off select men's and women's styles (Prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $5, although ... Read more.

Updated: August 19, 2018

Adidas at eBay: Extra 20% off + free shipping

adidas via eBay discounts a selection of its men's, women's, and kids' apparel and shoes. Plus, take an extra 20% off when you add to cart. Better yet, all orders bag free shipping. While we've seen stronger discounts from their eBay storefront this year, there are still best-ever (or close) prices to be found here. Deal ends October 21.

Note: See DealNews' coverage of the best deals from this sale.

Adidas at eBay: Extra 20% off + free shipping

adidas via eBay discounts a selection of its men's, women's, and kids' apparel and shoes. Plus, take an extra 20% ... Read more.

Updated: 4 days 6 hr ago

Clarks Private Sale: Up to 60% off + free shipping

Clarks takes up to 60% off select men's and women's shoes as part of its Private Sale. Plus, all orders receive free shipping. Deal ends October 24.

Clarks Private Sale: Up to 60% off + free shipping

Clarks takes up to 60% off select men's and women's shoes as part of its Private Sale. Plus, all orders ... Read more.

Updated: 5 days 15 hr ago

It's not the usual blah, blah, blah

Sony PlayStation Classic Console preorders for $100 + free shipping

Best Buy is offering preorders of the Sony PlayStation Classic Console for $99.99 with free shipping. It's the only major retailer currently offering this newly-announced console. It will include 20 bundled games, two controllers, and a HDMI cable.

It's due for release on December 3.

Update: Walmart and GameStop now match this preorder price.

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.

Sony PlayStation Classic Console preorders for $100 + free shipping

Best Buy is offering preorders of the Sony PlayStation Classic Console for $99.99 with free shipping. It's the only major ... Read more.

Updated: September 24, 2018

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

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 ... Read more.

Updated: September 12, 2018

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.

Walmart Grocery Coupon: $10 off $50

In select areas, Walmart Grocery takes $10 off orders of $50 or more via coupon code "KINDNESS". That's tied with ... Read more.

Updated: September 16, 2018

GSH 7L Men's Military Shoulder Bag for $9... or less + free shipping

2011io000oi via eBay offers this GSH 7-Liter Men's Military Shoulder Bag in several colors (Tri-Color Desert Camo pictured) for $8.99 with free shipping. That's tied with our mention from last month and the lowest price we could find today by $5. This waterproof bag features a ventilated back panel, an adjustable sling strap, and several pockets.

Note: A-TACS Arid is available for $7.99.

GSH 7L Men's Military Shoulder Bag for $9... or less + free shipping

2011io000oi via eBay offers this GSH 7-Liter Men's Military Shoulder Bag in several colors (Tri-Color Desert Camo pictured) for $8.99 ... Read more.

Updated: 12 hr 28 min ago

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

Nordstrom Rack takes 68% to 75% off select Versace sneakers and dress shoes, with prices starting from $175 $179.97. Plus, all orders bag free shipping. A couple of best bets:

Versace Men's Spazzolato Leather Double Monk Strap Shoes for $175 (low by $33)

Versace Collection Men's Cap Toe Shoes for $179.97 (pictured, $445 off)

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

Nordstrom Rack takes 68% to 75% off select Versace sneakers and dress shoes, with prices starting from $175 $179.97. Plus, ... Read more.

Updated: September 3, 2018

Tomshine 24 LED Wall Lamp for $17 + free s&h from China

TomTop offers the Tomshine 24 LED Wall Lamp for $16.99 with free shipping. That's $16 off and the lowest price we could find. It features up to 11,500-lumens. Deal ends October 31.

Note: this item ships from China and may take 4-6 weeks to arrive.

Tomshine 24 LED Wall Lamp for $17 + free s&h from China

TomTop offers the Tomshine 24 LED Wall Lamp for $16.99 with free shipping. That's $16 off and the lowest price ... Read more.

Updated: 5 days 19 hr ago

TradePub offers Sricharan Vadapalli's Hands-on DevOps eBook for free. That's the lowest price we could find by $22. Deal ends October 17.

"Hands-on DevOps" eBook for free

TradePub offers Sricharan Vadapalli's Hands-on DevOps eBook for free. That's the lowest price we could find by $22. Deal ends ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 6 days ago

Rubbermaid Brilliance 18pc Food Storage Set for $18 for members + free shipping

For its members only, Costco offers the Rubbermaid Brilliance 18-Piece Food Storage Set for $17.99 with free shipping. That's $2 under our May mention and the lowest price we could find by $13. The containers range from .5 cups to 9.6 cups in size.

Rubbermaid Brilliance 18pc Food Storage Set for $18 for members + free shipping

For its members only, Costco offers the Rubbermaid Brilliance 18-Piece Food Storage Set for $17.99 with free shipping. That's $2 ... Read more.

Updated: 7 hr 40 min ago

Lululemon We Made Too Much Sale Deals from $29 + free shipping

Lululemon discounts a selection of women's and men's apparel and accessories in its We Made Too Much sale sections. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, all orders receive free shipping. Men's shorts start from $44, women's tops from $29, women's shorts from $29, and men's shirts start from $29.

Note: These items are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged.

Lululemon We Made Too Much Sale Deals from $29 + free shipping

Lululemon discounts a selection of women's and men's apparel and accessories in its We Made Too Much sale sections. (Prices ... Read more.

Updated: 6 days 2 hr ago

It's 41 days until Black Friday, and 73 days until Christmas, and you know what that means: Everything will be going out of stock before you know it. Beat the crowds by doing a hefty mid-October shop, and take a look at the five best deals from the last week:

Walmart Fall Clearance Sale

LG 75" 4K HDR LED Smart TV w/ $300 Dell Gift Card for $1,299 + free s&h

8-Piece Comforter Sets at Macy's for $28 + free s&h w/beauty item

DashCam with G-Sensor for $30 + free s&h

Contact Lenses at Walgreens: 30% off + $10 off $50 + free s&h

The 5 Biggest Deals of the Week

It's 41 days until Black Friday, and 73 days until Christmas, and you know what that means: Everything will be ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 19 hr ago

LEGO offers its LEGO Life Magazine 1-Year Subscription for free. Simply sign your child up for an account and you'll receive five print issues throughout the year.

LEGO Life Magazine 1-Year Subscription for free

LEGO offers its LEGO Life Magazine 1-Year Subscription for free. Simply sign your child up for an account and you'll ... Read more.

Updated: August 25, 2018

Python Programming Bible Course for free

Udemy offers the Python Programming Bible Course for $10.99. Coupon code "FREECOUPON" cuts it to $0. That ties last week's mention and yields a saving of $11. It includes lifetime access to six hours of video and 13 articles.

Python Programming Bible Course for free

Udemy offers the Python Programming Bible Course for $10.99. Coupon code "FREECOUPON" cuts it to $0. That ties last week's ... Read more.

Updated: September 12, 2018

Northern Tool discounts a selection of items for its Fall Power Sale with prices starting at 99 cents. Where available, opt for in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs, which start at $5.99. (Free shipping is available for select items.) A couple of best bets:

BatteryMINDer Plus Charger/Maintainer/Desulfator for $29.99 + pickup ($20 off)

Klutch 3/8" x 50-foot Auto Rewind Air Hose Reel for $89.99 + $0 s&h (pictured, $10 off)

Northern Tool Fall Power Sale for $90

Northern Tool discounts a selection of items for its Fall Power Sale with prices starting at 99 cents. Where available, ... Read more.

Updated: 2 weeks 6 days ago

Better Homes & Gardens Triple Bunk Bed for $319 + pickup at Walmart

Walmart offers the Better Homes & Gardens Tristan Triple Bunk Bed in Espresso for $319. Opt for in-store pickup to dodge the $49.97 shipping charge. That's $80 off and the lowest price we could find. It converts in to a triple bunk bed, a bunk bed and a day bed, or three free standing twin size beds.

Better Homes & Gardens Triple Bunk Bed for $319 + pickup at Walmart

Walmart offers the Better Homes & Gardens Tristan Triple Bunk Bed in Espresso for $319. Opt for in-store pickup to ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 20 hr ago

Gap Factory: Up to 70% off + 20% off + free shipping w/ $100

Gap Factory takes up to 70% off sitewide. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, cut an extra 20% off via coupon code "SAVEBIG". Shipping adds $7, or spend $100 or more to bag free shipping. Some exclusions may apply. Deal ends October 24.

Gap Factory: Up to 70% off + 20% off + free shipping w/ $100

Gap Factory takes up to 70% off sitewide. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, cut an extra 20% off via coupon ... Read more.

Updated: 56 min ago

More Deals

The 7 Worst Things You Can Buy at a Dollar Store

How to Avoid Paying the 10 Most Annoying Fees

Boost Your Credit Score Fast With These 7 Moves

2-Minute Money Manager: What's the Best Way to Protect My Passwords and Stay Safe Online?

7 Websites That Will Slash Your Prescription Drug Costs

4 Bank Accounts With Perks for Savers Age 50 and Older

A Secret Way to Slash Your Car Insurance Bill

18 Moves That Will Help You Retire Early and in Style

Find help with:

Find the best:

Trending Stories

Sign up for our free newsletter!

Comments

Find help with:

Find the best: