Social Security for Dummies, 2nd Edition

"Social Security for Dummies is a must read for people of any age who want a comfortable retirement. Jonathan Peterson does a great job of explaining this complicated system and helps you understand how to get the most from the benefits you've earned. The difference between a smart claiming strategy and a dumb one can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars, so you'll want to invest in this book."
—Liz Weston, personal finance columnist and author of The 10 Commandments of Money

"This is your go-to book on Social Security. Chock-full of useful tips, easy to use, and well organized, it answers all your questions about Social Security."
—Steve Vernon, author of Money for Life: Turn Your IRA and 401(k) Into a Lifetime Retirement Paycheck and CBS MoneyWatch commentator

"Social Security for Dummies is indispensable for anyone who wants to get the best possible deal from Social Security—and that means all of us, young and old, because everyone will need Social Security benefits in this era of disappearing pensions and dwindling savings. Strategies for single people, for married couples, for survivors, for divorced people: You can find expert advice on all these subjects and more in this easy-to-understand guide to a very complex subject."
— Bob Rosenblatt, editor of HelpwithAging.com and Senior Fellow at the National Academy of Social Insurance

Social Security For Dummies is the definitive resource to navigating the often-complex world of Social Security retirement benefits and the U.S. Social Security Administration. If you're nearing retirement age, or assisting someone who is, this guide will show you how to avoid common pitfalls, determine when you should claim your benefits, and figure out how much you can expect to receive each month.

This newest edition provides updates to relevant dates and resources as well as an in-depth look at policy changes that will affect those about to retire. Packed with information that will help you make decisions that will maximize your financial well-being, this great resource makes it easy to understand everything you need to know quickly and easily.

• Understand new Social Security Administration policies and what they mean for you
• Determine how to incorporate Social Security into your overall retirement plan
• Get answers to common questions
• Find resources to use when you're stumped

With Social Security For Dummies, you can take charge of your retirement and successfully navigate the U.S. Social Security Administration.

Jonathan Peterson is Executive Communications Director at AARP and an award-winning journalist. He is a former Washington correspondent for the Los Angeles Times. During his news career, he covered the White House, state and national political campaigns, and various facets of U.S. domestic and economic policy.