Applying early will shrink your checks by up to 30%, depending on how soon you do it. That can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost benefits.

We don't get a lot of guarantees in retirement. One of the few is a regular monthly Social Security check for as long as we live. Yes, even if you're decades away from retirement, Social Security will still be there for you. But while we're guaranteed a ...

Social Security checks vary wildly, but there are a few moves you can make to boost your monthly retirement income.

Social Security beneficiaries would welcome extra money in the bank from a COLA hike. But some might only be looking at $50 a month or less extra.

Like spouses, your children can't claim on your work record until you sign up for Social Security. So this might be a reason to sign up earlier than you might otherwise. You'll need to provide documentation, like your child's birth certificate, proving your relationship to them in order for them to be eligible.