Social Security Basics: 12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits

Why a Pension Lump Sum Option Is Better Than an Annuity Payment | 7 Things Medicare Doesn’t Cover | The 100 Most Popular Mutual Funds for 401(k) Retirement Savings Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( May 9, 2022 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Youtube]( [Instagram]( [Retirement Tips]( [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] Social Security [] [Social Security Basics: 12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits]( [Social Security Basics: 12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits]( (Getty Images) Claiming Social Security benefits at the right time means more money in your pocket. Here’s a guide to everything from knowing your full retirement age to taking Social Security spousal benefits. [READ MORE]( Plus: [Your Guide to Roth Conversions]( [] Annuities [] [Why a Pension Lump Sum Option Is Better Than an Annuity Payment]( Lump sum or annuity payments? Single-life benefits or joint-and-survivor benefits? Once you explore the risks and hidden costs, the right pension answer for you could come down to control, writes Brian Skrobonja, founder and president of Skrobonja Financial Group LLC. [READ MORE]( Plus: [When It Comes to Your 401(k), Trust But Verify]( [Income You Can Count on. Get Your Free Plan.]( It doesn't have to be complicated, but you need a Plan for Retirement Income personalized to you and your retirement objectives. If over 60 with $500k+ in retirement savings, visit the Go2Income site and get your Starting Income and full report - FREE of charge. [For your Free plan, click here.]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Medicare [] [7 Things Medicare Doesn’t Cover]( Medicare Part A and Part B leave some pretty significant gaps in your health-care coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too. [READ MORE]( Plus: [5 Fixes That Could Help Save Medicare]( [] Saving for Retirement [] [The 100 Most Popular Mutual Funds for 401(k) Retirement Savings]( These mutual funds have the most assets under management in 401(k) workplace retirement plans. [READ MORE]( Plus: [Kiplinger 25 Model Portfolios]( [Startup Raises Over $161M to Tackle the Retirement Industry]( This billion dollar startup is helping people plan for an easier retirement. With 110 million Americans over age 50, it's no wonder people are taking notice. [READ MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Spending in Retirement [] [10 Things You’ll Spend More on in Retirement]( Travel and utilities are just two of the items that will put greater demands on your hard-earned savings once you reach your golden years. [READ MORE]( Plus: [10 Things You'll Spend Less on in Retirement]( [How to Change Your Retirement Outlook Now]( Compare scenarios to see what impact today's changes could have on your retirement tomorrow. Find out how much you can afford each month with our data-driven spending plan. Easily include additional sources of income such as Social Security, rental income, pensions, and windfalls. [READ MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Also on Kiplinger [] - [Timely Tips for Investors to Deal with Today’s Worst Challenges]( - [Income Annuities Take Risk Out of Retirement]( - [Build a Better Portfolio for 2022 -- Sign Up for Kiplinger's Free Investing E-Newsletters]( ABOUT KIPLINGER When we write about money, we get it right. So the decisions you make with your dollars are also right. Since 1920, Kiplinger has earned a reputation as a trusted provider of unbiased financial advice, objective business and economic forecasts, and practical help to millions of business professionals, investors, and individuals seeking to make more profitable decisions with their money. Our [flagship publications]( include Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, The Kiplinger Letter, The Kiplinger Tax Letter, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, and Kiplinger’s Investing for Income. All are regarded as the leading publications in their respective fields. Every day, millions of readers rely on our [free e-newsletters]( and [podcasts]( for help on everything from getting the best rate on a mortgage or car loan, to managing their businesses in an uncertain world, avoiding an IRS audit, building wealth for a secure retirement, or investing wisely in any kind of market. Now it’s your turn to reap all the rewards Kiplinger has to offer. Visit [Kiplinger.com](, your gateway to all of the above and much more. Check in any time for our latest advice on how to make more money, and keep more of the money you make. Stay right on the money, with Kiplinger. [Sign Up]( | [Print Publications]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Privacy Policy]( | [Cookies Policy]( | [Terms and Conditions]( CONTACT US: [FEEDBACK](mailto:alerts@kiplinger.com) | [ADVERTISE]( Future US LLC © 1100 13th St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005