Smart ways to boost your Social Security check before you retire
Have you ever noticed how confusing Social Security feels right when you’re finally close to collecting it? You spend decades paying into the system, only to reach your early 60s and realize that your monthly payment could vary widely depending on how you claim it? Suddenly you’re trying to frantically study rules about when you claim and what happens if you keep working. For many people claiming social security is the moment when retirement planning stops being abstract and starts feeling very real and makes many people stress over how to balance today’s bills with tomorrow’s security. Questions like “Should I claim now?” or “Will working hurt my benefit?” suddenly matter a lot more than they did in your 40’s when this was all just a dream. The good news is that Social Security isn’t actually a mystery once you understand how the pieces fit together, and with a little strategy, those last working years before retirement can meaningfully boost your lifelong benefit.
Two key points many people miss. First, this test only counts earned income from work or self-employment, not pensions, IRA withdrawals, or investment income. Second, the money isn’t gone forever. Once you hit full retirement age, your benefit is recalculated to credit you for months when checks were withheld, giving you a higher monthly amount going forward.
~Katy Willis, Wealthy Single Mommy
If you’re close to claiming, this article by Katy Willis is just what you need. In it, she breaks down several smart ways to increase your Social Security check before you retire. She explains how the earnings test works if you claim before full retirement age, emphasizing that withheld benefits aren’t lost forever but instead they’re credited back later. It also highlights how extra working years can replace low or zero years in your 35-year earnings record, automatically raising your benefit. Timing matters too: claiming while you’re still earning a strong income can cut your monthly check, while waiting (especially if you’re healthy) can grow it by roughly 8% a year up to age 70. The article also covers the special monthly rule for the year you retire, how earnings affect the taxes on your benefit, and why coordinating with a spouse or ex-spouse can maximize what your household receives.
Why a Payable-on-Death (POD) Account Is Better Than a Will for Your Cash
Ever feel like estate planning is designed to make your head spin? You start reading about wills, probate, and legal fees, and suddenly you’re wondering if passing down your hard-earned savings has to be this complicated. Most people assume that a will is the default tool for anything involving money, but the truth is that not every part of your estate needs a lawyer, a court process, or a stack of paperwork to sort itself out. When it comes to the cash you’ve stashed in everyday bank accounts, there’s a surprisingly simple trick that can help your loved ones avoid delays, stress, and unnecessary expenses. The best part is that you can do all of that with one signature and about 30 seconds of effort.
While a will can take months or even years to wind through probate, a POD transfer happens in a matter of days or weeks. Your loved one won’t be stuck waiting for the legal gears to turn while dealing with immediate expenses like funeral costs, mortgage payments, or utility bills.
~Brandon Marcus, The Free Financial Advisor
That’s where Payable-on-Death (POD) accounts come in, and the article explains why they’re often a far better choice for passing along cash than relying solely on a will. The key advantage is speed: while a will must slog through probate (a slow, public, and potentially expensive legal process) a POD account transfers money directly to your chosen beneficiary as soon as they present a death certificate. No judge, no waiting months, no draining the estate with legal fees. PODs are also free to set up and incredibly simple, making them an easy win for anyone who wants to give loved ones quick access to funds for urgent expense. The article highlights other perks too, like the clear, dispute-free language of a POD form and the flexibility to change beneficiaries anytime while still retaining full control of your money. It does note that PODs aren’t a total replacement for a will and that you still need a formal document for property, personal items, and guardianship decisions. However, for liquid assets, they function as a fast, stress-saving complement to traditional estate planning.
How Quiet Millionaires Grow Richer Without Showing Off
Have you ever noticed how the people who seem truly comfortable with their finances aren’t the ones broadcasting it? In a world where social media rewards flash and flexing, it’s refreshing and almost surprising to realize that many of the wealthiest individuals are the quietest about it. They’re not hiding their success so much as choosing to live in a way that reflects what actually matters to them: confidence without spectacle, security without constant validation, and a sense of freedom that doesn’t rely on anyone else’s approval. It’s a reminder that wealth, at its best, doesn’t need to shout. It can move with a kind of subtlety that’s both calming and compelling.
Markets rise. Markets fall. Quiet millionaires keep buying assets.
~Josh Hastings, Invested Wallet
This article by Josh Hastings breaks down exactly what sets these “quiet millionaires” apart. Rather than flaunting their money, they deflect financial conversations with simple, understated comments and avoid the spotlight almost entirely. Their lifestyles lean toward practicality: modest homes, reliable cars, quality items chosen for longevity rather than labels. What really distinguishes them is their mindset. They’re financially literate and they invest consistently through market ups and downs. They value time more than toys, outsourcing tasks so they can focus on what matters, and they commit to continuous learning, strong relationships, purposeful travel, and their health. Above all, they treat freedom as the true luxury. Before buying your next big toy, it might be worth reading this article. Sometimes the most powerful form of wealth is the kind that whispers while quietly shaping a life you’re proud to live.