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.

1,153 Active Deals

Best Buy discounts a selection of phones, laptops, TVs, cameras, and more during its Memorial Day Sale. 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 $500 off select TVs

up to $200 off select laptops

up to $200 off select iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus

a selection of Windows computers with prices starting from $199.99

Best Buy Memorial Day Sale

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

Updated: 21 hr 47 min ago

Fry's discounts hundreds of items throughout its site as part of its Memorial Day Sale. Choose from laptops, cell phones, smart home, appliances, and more.

Note: Nearly all deals will require a newsletter promo code, available only to newsletter subscribers. (If you're not already a subscriber, click here to sign up now.)

Fry's Memorial Day Sale

Fry's discounts hundreds of items throughout its site as part of its Memorial Day Sale. Choose from laptops, cell phones, ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 22 hr ago

Bertolli Olive Oil Class Action Settlement

Deoleo has agreed to a preliminary settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning the labeling of several of their Bertolli olive oil products. The lawsuit contends that these were falsely marked "Imported from Italy" and "Extra Virgin". The following claims are applicable for purchasers:

Up to $8.75 per product purchased of Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil between May 23, 2010 and December 31, 2015

Up to $3.75 per product purchased of Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil between January 1, 2016 and April 16, 2018

Up to $7.50 per product purchased of Bertolli Classico Olive Oil or Bertolli Extra Light Olive Oil between May 23, 2010 and December 30, 2015

These sums, alongside stated minimum payments, are subject to change, dependent on the number of claims made. Without proof of purchase, you can make a claim of up to five products per household (with a maximum of $25 per household) or, with proof of purchase, an unlimited amount. Click here to read more information. Claims must be made by July 12.

Bertolli Olive Oil Class Action Settlement

Deoleo has agreed to a preliminary settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning the labeling of several of their ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 9 hr ago

Lowe's Memorial Day Sale: Up to 40% off + free shipping

Lowe's takes up to 40% off select appliances, grills, lighting, tools, home improvement items, and more during its Memorial Day Sale. Plus, MyLowe's members receive free shipping. (Not a member? It's free to sign up. Items over 150 lbs. incur additional surcharges.) A couple best bets:

Sta-Green 1-cu ft Flower and Vegetable Soil for $2.50 + pickup ($1 off)

Oklahoma Joe's Highland Charcoal Horizontal Smoker for $249 (low by $19)

Lowe's Memorial Day Sale: Up to 40% off + free shipping

Lowe's takes up to 40% off select appliances, grills, lighting, tools, home improvement items, and more during its Memorial Day ... Read more.

Updated: 5 days 3 hr ago

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: 1 week 5 days 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: April 21, 2018

Walmart discounts a selection of clearance HDTVs. Plus, most of these items qualify for free shipping. A couple of best bets:

Seiki 40" 1080p LED-Backlit HD Television for $169.99 (low by $49)

Vizio 43" SmartCast 4K LED-Backlit Ultra HD Smart Television, for $279.99 (pictured, low by $60)

Clearance HDTVs at Walmart from $70

Walmart discounts a selection of clearance HDTVs. Plus, most of these items qualify for free shipping. A couple of best ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 1 day ago

Shoes at Nordstrom Rack: Up to 83% off + free shipping w/ $100

Nordstrom Rack takes up to 83% off a selection of men's and women's shoes, with prices starting from $7.60. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $7.95, although orders of $100 or more qualify for free shipping. A couple of best bets:

Louise et Cie Women's Akio d'Orsay Flat for $24.49 ($45 off)

Fish N Chips Men's Rome Solid Sneaker for $29 (pictured, $51 off)

Shoes at Nordstrom Rack: Up to 83% off + free shipping w/ $100

Nordstrom Rack takes up to 83% off a selection of men's and women's shoes, with prices starting from $7.60. (Prices ... Read more.

Updated: 1 week 6 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: 2 weeks 1 day ago

Kenneth Cole Gretchen Crossbody Bag for $13 + free shipping

Spring offers the Kenneth Cole Gretchen Crossbody Bag in Black, Mahogany, or Charcoal for $13.19 with free shipping, That's $15 under our March mention, $52 off list, and a great price for a Kenneth Cole bag. It measures about 8" x 3" x 6" and has an adjustable cross-body strap. Deal ends May 28.

Kenneth Cole Gretchen Crossbody Bag for $13 + free shipping

Spring offers the Kenneth Cole Gretchen Crossbody Bag in Black, Mahogany, or Charcoal for $13.19 with free shipping, That's $15 ... Read more.

Updated: 2 hr 46 min ago

Burberry Sale: Up to 50% off + free shipping

Burberry cuts up to 50% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' apparel, shoes, and accessories. Plus, all items qualify for free shipping. That's tied with our January mention (new styles have been added since then) as the best sale we've seen from Burberry this year. Men's shirts start at $150, women's dresses start at $300, men's shoes start at $160, and women's T-shirts start at $120.

Burberry Sale: Up to 50% off + free shipping

Burberry cuts up to 50% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' apparel, shoes, and accessories. Plus, all items ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 5 hr ago

Nordstrom Rack Clear the Rack Sale: Extra 25% off clearance + free shipping w/ $100

Nordstrom Rack takes an extra 25% off clearance items during its Clear the Rack Sale, rendering total discounts of up to 75% off. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $7.95, but orders of $100 or more bag free shipping. Deal ends May 28.

Nordstrom Rack Clear the Rack Sale: Extra 25% off clearance + free shipping w/ $100

Nordstrom Rack takes an extra 25% off clearance items during its Clear the Rack Sale, rendering total discounts of up ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 5 hr ago

Lacoste at Spring: Extra 30% off + free shipping

Spring takes an extra 30% off a selection of already-reduced Lacoste men's, women's, and kids' styles. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, all orders bag free shipping. Shop for women's dresses from $70, men's short-sleeve polos from $48.30, and men's boat shoes from $53.20.

Lacoste at Spring: Extra 30% off + free shipping

Spring takes an extra 30% off a selection of already-reduced Lacoste men's, women's, and kids' styles. (Prices are as marked.) ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 23 hr ago

Hanes Memorial Day Event: 50% off + free shipping

Hanes takes 50% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' styles during its Memorial Day Sale. Alternatively, you can also cut an extra 20% off clearance styles via coupon code "TAKE20". Plus, all these orders receive free shipping. (Shipping normally adds $7.99 for all orders under $60.) That's a rare find, as coupons don't often stack with clearance items at Hanes. (It's also the best general extra discount we've seen.) Deal ends May 29.

Hanes Memorial Day Event: 50% off + free shipping

Hanes takes 50% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' styles during its Memorial Day Sale. Alternatively, you can ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 2 hr ago

Newegg Memorial Day Sale: Save on over 1,000 items

Newegg discounts over 1,000 items during its Memorial Day Sale. (Note that coupons and/or rebates may be required, as indicated on individual product pages.) Many items qualify for free shipping. Shop a wide range of gaming accessories, computer components, smart devices, TVs, and much more. Deal ends May 28.

Newegg Memorial Day Sale: Save on over 1,000 items

Newegg discounts over 1,000 items during its Memorial Day Sale. (Note that coupons and/or rebates may be required, as indicated ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 5 hr ago

It's not the usual blah, blah, blah

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: April 23, 2018

Men's Blazers and Sport Coats at Macy's from $20 + free shipping w/ $49

Macy's discounts a selection of men's blazers and sport coats, with prices starting from $29.63 $24.99 $19.99. Pad your order with a beauty item (they start at $3) to bag free shipping; otherwise, shipping adds $10.95. (Orders of $49 or more receive free shipping too.) A couple of best bets:

Bar III Men's Slim-Fit Knit Sport Coat for $39.99 $31.99 via code "MEMDAY" ($263 off)

Tallia Men's Slim-Fit Pattern Sport Coat for $52.96 (pictured, $297 off)

Update: Coupon code "MEMDAY" now cuts an extra 20% off select items. (Eligible items are marked.)

Men's Blazers and Sport Coats at Macy's from $20 + free shipping w/ $49

Macy's discounts a selection of men's blazers and sport coats, with prices starting from $29.63 $24.99 $19.99. Pad your order ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 8 hr ago

Shoes at Nordstrom Rack: Up to 85% off + free shipping w/ $100

Nordstrom Rack takes up to 85% off a selection of men's and women's shoes, with prices starting from $7.60. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $7.95, although orders of $100 or more qualify for free shipping. A couple of best bets:

Andrew Marc Men's Walden Chukka Boots for $39 $29.25 (pictured, low by $31)

Skechers Women's Go Walk 4 Ravish Sneakers for $30 $22.50 ($60 off)

Update: Nordstrom now takes an extra 25% off, yielding the above prices.

Shoes at Nordstrom Rack: Up to 85% off + free shipping w/ $100

Nordstrom Rack takes up to 85% off a selection of men's and women's shoes, with prices starting from $7.60. (Prices ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 4 hr ago

Nestle Water Brands continues to offer a Sparkling Ice Mountain Spring Water 8-Pack for free when you fill out this form. The coupon will be mailed to you for in-store pickup of the 8-pack via these locations. Choose from 12-oz. cans or 16.9-oz. bottles in ten flavors to choose from including Zesty Lime, Triple Berry, and Orange.

Sparkling Ice Mountain Spring Water 8-Pack for free

Nestle Water Brands continues to offer a Sparkling Ice Mountain Spring Water 8-Pack for free when you fill out this ... Read more.

Updated: 2 weeks 1 day ago

Under Armour at Macy's: Up to 70% off + free s&h w/beauty item

Macy's cuts up to 70% off a selection of Under Armour apparel and accessories, with prices starting at $6.99. Pad your order with a beauty item (they start at $3) to bag free shipping; otherwise, shipping adds $10.95. (Orders of $99 $49 or more bag free shipping automatically.) Sizes are limited for many styles. A couple of best bets:

Under Armour Men's Vital Wind-Resistant Training Pants for $25.99 (pictured, low by $9)

Under Armour Women's Terry Overlap-Back Top for $27.50 $21.93 (low by $28)

Under Armour at Macy's: Up to 70% off + free s&h w/beauty item

Macy's cuts up to 70% off a selection of Under Armour apparel and accessories, with prices starting at $6.99. Pad ... Read more.

Updated: 3 days 6 hr ago

Hauppauge WiFi Dual Cordcutter TV Tuner for $80 + free shipping

As one of its daily deals, Best Buy via eBay offers the Hauppauge WiFi Dual Cordcutter TV Tuner for $79.99 with free shipping. That's tied with last month's mention and is the lowest price we could find by $50. This WiFi network TV tuner provides over-the-air ATSC HD digital TV. Deal ends today.

Hauppauge WiFi Dual Cordcutter TV Tuner for $80 + free shipping

As one of its daily deals, Best Buy via eBay offers the Hauppauge WiFi Dual Cordcutter TV Tuner for $79.99 ... Read more.

Updated: 6 hr 44 min ago

Uniqlo Memorial Day Sale Deals from $6 + free shipping

Uniqlo discounts select items sitewide as part of its Memorial Day Sale, with prices starting from $7.90 $5.90. Shipping adds $5, although orders of $75 or more grab free shipping. Deals include men's and kids' T-shirts from $7.90, women's sweaters from $14.90, and men's and women's outerwear from $39.90 $29.90. A couple of best bets:

Uniqlo Women's Supima Cotton UV-Cut Crewneck Cardigan for $14.90 ($5 off)

Uniqlo Men's Ultra Light Down Vest for $39.90 $29.90 ($10 off)

Update: All orders now bag free shipping.

Uniqlo Memorial Day Sale Deals from $6 + free shipping

Uniqlo discounts select items sitewide as part of its Memorial Day Sale, with prices starting from $7.90 $5.90. Shipping adds ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 23 min ago

Cole Haan Memorial Day Sale: Extra 40% off + free shipping

Cole Haan takes an extra 40% off sale styles during its Memorial Day Sale via coupon code "EXTRA40". Plus, all orders receive free shipping. Combined, that's the best discount we've seen since Black Friday when we saw 50% off paired with free shipping. Deal ends May 31.

Note: All sales are final.

Cole Haan Memorial Day Sale: Extra 40% off + free shipping

Cole Haan takes an extra 40% off sale styles during its Memorial Day Sale via coupon code "EXTRA40". Plus, all ... Read more.

Updated: 5 days 3 hr ago

Another week's over, and you can finally relax with a nice long day of browsing DealNews. But perhaps you'd like to see some of our best-performing deals from throughout the week that are still available for your perusal? These are the cream of the crop:

Dell Small Business Month Sale: Up to 40% off + free shipping

Hydro Flask 40-oz. Water Bottle w/ Straw Lid for $23.89 + pickup at REI

Fry's Memorial Day Sale

SanDisk Outlet Store coupon: Extra 15% off + free shipping

Ashley Furniture at Amazon: Up to 55% off + free shipping

The 5 Biggest Deals of This Week

Another week's over, and you can finally relax with a nice long day of browsing DealNews. But perhaps you'd like ... Read more.

Updated: 3 hr 48 min ago

Kenneth Cole Men's Wing-Top Oxford Shoes for $18 + free shipping

Spring offers the Kenneth Cole Men's Lace-Up Wing-Top Oxford Shoes in Cognac for $17.99 with free shipping. That's $62 off the lowest price we could find. They're available in sizes 7 to 8 11.5.

Kenneth Cole Men's Wing-Top Oxford Shoes for $18 + free shipping

Spring offers the Kenneth Cole Men's Lace-Up Wing-Top Oxford Shoes in Cognac for $17.99 with free shipping. That's $62 off ... Read more.

Updated: 2 hr 55 min ago

ASICS Tiger Memorial Day Sale: 50% off + free shipping

ASICS Tiger takes 50% off a large selection of its men's, women's, and kids' shoes via coupon code "TIGER50" during its Memorial Day Sale. Plus, all orders receive free shipping. That ties our February mention as the best discount we've seen from ASICS Tiger. Some exclusions may apply.

ASICS Tiger Memorial Day Sale: 50% off + free shipping

ASICS Tiger takes 50% off a large selection of its men's, women's, and kids' shoes via coupon code "TIGER50" during ... Read more.

Updated: 23 hr 37 min ago

IKEA Outdoor Furniture Sale: Up to 50% off + in-store only

In-store only, IKEA takes up to 50% off a selection of outdoor furniture. Save on Tunholmen and Applaro tables, chairs, loungers, and more. Deal ends May 28.

IKEA Outdoor Furniture Sale: Up to 50% off + in-store only

In-store only, IKEA takes up to 50% off a selection of outdoor furniture. Save on Tunholmen and Applaro tables, chairs, ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 2 hr ago

Men's Slim-Fit Casual Jacket for $40 + free shipping

NewChic offers this Men's Slim-Fit Casual Jacket in three colors (Deep Blue pictured) for $39.99 with free shipping. That's $131 under list and the lowest price we could find. It's available in sizes M to 3XL. Deal ends May 30.

Men's Slim-Fit Casual Jacket for $40 + free shipping

NewChic offers this Men's Slim-Fit Casual Jacket in three colors (Deep Blue pictured) for $39.99 with free shipping. That's $131 ... Read more.

Updated: 2 days 5 hr ago

Champion Outlet Sale: Up to 75% off + 40% off + free shipping

Champion takes up to 75% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' outlet styles. Plus, cut an extra 40% off via coupon code "EXTRA40". Even better, all orders now bag no-minimum free shipping. Combined, that's the best extra discount we've seen at Champion. Deal ends May 29.

Champion Outlet Sale: Up to 75% off + 40% off + free shipping

Champion takes up to 75% off a selection of men's, women's, and kids' outlet styles. Plus, cut an extra 40% ... Read more.

Updated: 1 day 2 hr 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: April 23, 2018

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