Social Security

Social Security is a source of guaranteed retirement income for most retired people in the United States who have paid into the system. Understanding the program and how much your benefit may be can help you plan for additional savings you may want to have, and your retirement budget, too.

Social Security basics

A man and woman happily talking in a kitchen

7 min read

What’s the best age for me to take Social Security?

How do you decide the right time for you to begin taking Social Security? It’s complicated, but these insights can help you understand what’s best for you.

Older couple sitting on park bench discussing retirement benefits through Social Security.

5 min read

Who is eligible for Social Security and spousal, and survivorship benefits?

A range of people, including current and former spouses and dependent children, may be eligible for Social Security benefits.

Young man and woman working together at a table to create a retirement plan.

3 min read

What will Social Security look like when you retire?

Planning for retirement includes lots of considerations, including how Social Security may change over time.

Retirement

3 min read

How a spousal IRA can help couples build retirement savings

Wondering how to save enough for retirement when there’s only one source of income between you and your spouse? A spousal IRA can help.

A woman reviewing her finances to consider debt consolidation

5 min read

How to take your first RMD: rules, options, and tax-smart strategies

Time to shift from saving for retirement to taking income for retirement? The timing of your first required minimum distribution (RMD) can have an impact on your overall retirement picture.

Colleagues seated in a group discussion, sharing ideas and reviewing documents during a team meeting.

5 min read

20 years ago, retirement plans changed. What do the next 20 hold?

The Pension Protection Act helped reshape retirement plans and aimed to improve participant outcomes. As policymakers continue working to expand access, focus is increasingly turning to helping participants navigate retirement with confidence.

Investing

3 min read

How a spousal IRA can help couples build retirement savings

Wondering how to save enough for retirement when there’s only one source of income between you and your spouse? A spousal IRA can help.

4 min read

Ways to save for retirement beyond your 401(k)

Three additional options can help you put away more to help you reach your retirement goals.

4 min read

When to consider increasing my 401(k) and IRA contributions

Six key moments in life—a raise, a reduction in debt, for example—offer opportunities for you to adjust and increase the amount you’re contributing to retirement savings.