Real Social Security Help
354626
I knew nothing about social security and I didn't know that you can't trust the social security office to give you the correct information on what to do.
This book is filled with information on when to file, who can file, and what to expect.  Easy to read and understand.
889620
Baker and Wesibrot do a yeoman's job of making the issues confront Social Security and the trust fund understandable and accessible to the average reader. There is so much misinformation (some of it deliberate) and misunderstanding out there on this topic that it's often hard to know where to begin. This book is an excellent place to start.

For other reviewers here that are ready to "throw this book across the room" or who seem to have confused a program of social insurance with "investments", I suggest they actually take the time to read the book and/or educate themselves on the issue of government bonds. First, it is hard to understand why the same government bonds backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and which are universally considered to be the safest investment in the entire free world are great investment vehicles when held by billionaires and central banks but are "worthless" when held by the Social Security trust fund. Second, Social Security is not an "investment" program, it is a program of social insurance designed to insure the elderly, the disabled and the spouses/children of the dead and disabled against poverty. It provides a solid base, a bedrock foundation, on which to build, and as such is perhaps the most successful government program in history.

There are potentially some challenges ahead for Social Security but they are easily overcome though economic growth, growth in productivity or expansion of the working population through birth or immigration. In fact, if the economic growth of the United States simply matches that of the average growth of the last 130 years, the Social Security trust fund is solvent basically forever.

I hope that Baker and Weisbrot will issue an update to this excellent book. It was written prior to the meltdown of the NASDAQ and S&P 500 and before tax cuts for the top 1 percent of the nation (paid for largely with money borrowed from the Social Security trust fund) which all by themselves dwarf any potential shortfall in the trust fund over the next seventy-five years.

Don't fall for the shell game. The trust fund represents the money that you have already paid into the system. Read the book. You'll be glad that you did.
2847616
I have not completed the book "Social Security for Dummies" but I have found numerous
materials I was not aware existed, excellent Book.
2031385
Look for a more recent edition, since the rules for things like "File and Suspend" changed in 2016.  My only objection is how it seems to be an advertisement for Kotlikoff's paid website Social Security filing strategy calculator.
4548773
I got this for my sister which is close to the "mature age" of file for social security benefits.  She says that there is a lot of great information in the book.  Will buy another for a dear friend in the same situation.  Then I'll borrow one of theirs when I finally get to that phase ... unless there is a new edition by that time. LOL
1194952
Jim's book is indispensable wealth of information on Social Security. This is my go-to reference and my previous additions are dog eared with lots of highlights.
2826383
Social Security is complex and while Get What's Yours does a good job trying to explain its nuances, Social Security will still be complex after you read this book.  Therefore, you're going to need to read the book several times, then go back and read it again.  And then you're going to need to read it again after you've started collecting Social Security.

This book has one shortcoming, that being that it's not critical enough of the bureaucrats who run the Social Security Administration.  They can handle a basic Social Security claim, but if there's anything even slightly complex in a situation, such as WEP or GPO, the SSA folks are just as likely to get it wrong as they are to get it right.  The author strongly hints at problems within the SSA organization, but it would better if he came out and said that the agency has become fundamentally broken under Commissioner Colvin.

Bottom line: Buy it, read it, read it again and again, and be sure to double check everything that the SSA does for you because the people working there took their jobs because they weren't qualified to work anywhere better.
1096813
Very compelling argument. Get ready cause 2015 is right around the corner. Do your own research and if you are retiring in the next few years and have assets you wish to protect - you should review your plan act act accordingly.  Don't be caught with your pants down!  The last event took over 15 months to recover from!
2040662
Great book, convinced me to get some help making social security decisions as I get closer. I liked all the real world examples used in the book. This is a very important issue and we all have an important stake in getting it right., You'd be crazy not to get some expert advice. This book just touches the surface.
1754052
Don't wait until your ready to file for Social Security to read this book! The author tells you everything you need to know about maximizing your retirement income sources. There's also a ton of information on how you can structure your retirement income so that you don't pay any more income tax than is necessary. This book is a must for anyone who is soon-to-be retired or is already retired.
452493
The Medicare Savings Account program is a great idea, but it only seems to be offered in a couple states. It doesn't appear be offered here in southern Indiana. I am a few years from retirement, and as an HSA user, this is the plan I will want when I reach 65. Insurance companies: Please offer it!
429779
This book has such great information that is practical for real life.  The market crash of 2008 has really changed the way we-me and my husband-look at our lives and plans that we'd made for retirement.  This book gives much needed help in where to go next!
3447634
This book is filled with excellent tips to help make sure your social security claim is processed correctly. I would recommend this book to anyone who is has had a claim denied or needs more information about claims. This book provides the information to help increase the likelihood that your claim will get approved. I highly recommend this book.
3085272
When I became ill in Nov 2015 and unable to work this Nolo Guide help me to understand and prepare for filing my Social Security Disability.  Thanks Nolo your guides have been very informative in up too date.  They are easy to read and provides great understanding.  Please keep up the great work!  I would definitely recommend your product to others.
3888326
Repetitive, but the authors want to be sure they beat certain information into your head.  This book might help you avoid some very expensive mistakes.  Read this long before you retire (and before you divorce, if that is in your future).

The authors take it for granted that the US government will not renege on existing Social Security commitments in any large way.  I agree with that, but some people may use that as a reason to disregard their advice.
2488103
I think they should up the price of this book.  I did what it says and now all my bills and needs are always taken care of.  There is a SS class at the SC that is going over this book. 2300 62nd Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33702.  Phone: (727) 522-2171  Get on it.  If you need proof show up and ask for me and I will show you all my blesssing.
4170086
Very readable, easily understood, excellent information,  I would make it your go to book for learning all about Social Security!