6 Questions to Ask Before You Take Social Security

Plus, retail alternatives to Amazon Prime Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( July 23, 2024 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [X]( [Instagram ]( [Youtube]( [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] INTRODUCTION [] [Stepping Into Alternatives to Amazon Prime]( I am not a devotee of Amazon and its blue delivery vans. But I cheer when their Prime Day Deals are announced because I know their competitors will go all out to match the sales, and I will save more — just not with them. Another way competitors are rising to the Amazon challenge is by creating memberships with perks and offering easy ways to get free shipping on your orders. My colleagues at Kiplinger [profile eight great retail memberships that cost less than Amazon and may be closer to your core interests and needs](. - Donna LeValley, personal finance writer [Your IRA, made to order]( Choose where and when you want to retire, and a Betterment IRA can help make your money hustle all the way there. 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Read on to [understand the tax consequences and added flexibility a rollover to an IRA can afford you](. [Start an HSBC Premier Relationship Today]( Earn up to $2,500 when you complete the qualifying activities. Enjoy premium, international banking with priority services and global support, and no HSBC fees on everyday transactions. Start today. Limited time offer, conditions apply. Member FDIC. [Learn More]( ADVERTISEMENT [] TIMING YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS [] [6 Questions to Ask Before You Take Social Security]( [6 Questions to Ask Before You Take Social Security]( (Getty Images) Sometimes I think the decision as to when to start collecting Social Security benefits could be described as a Sophie’s Choice. Applying too early could decrease your lifetime benefits and waiting too long could be an unnecessary and unwise drain on your other retirement assets and accounts. Here are [six important questions to ask yourself before taking Social Security that could save you money in the short and long runs](. [This Billion Dollar Startup Wants to Help You Retire]( This Princeton grad's startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement. If you're one of the whopping 110 million Americans over the age of 50, or wisely planning ahead, SmartAsset's no-cost tool can help match you with up to 3 vetted financial advisors. [Learn more]( ADVERTISEMENT [] OTHER KIPLINGER ARTICLES WE THINK YOU'LL ENJOY [] [Credit card bonuses of up to $1,600 for new cardholders]( Here are the best sign-up deals for credit cards that offer perks for traveling and getting cash back. [Before retiring, make sure you've covered these 5 bases]( You need to make sure you're prepared in all five of these areas before you retire. [Want to move to France? 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