Online Services, Retirement

3 Things You Can Do to Prepare for Retirement Right Now

April 12, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

woman on laptop Whether you just started seriously planning or are ready to retire, Social Security is the place to start. We’re with you throughout life’s journey, and that includes retirement planning!

The first thing you should remember is that Social Security replaces only a portion of your pre-retirement earnings. Most financial advisers say you will need about 70 percent of pre-retirement income to live comfortably in retirement, including your Social Security benefits, investments, and other savings. A solid retirement plan includes planning for more than Social Security. You can use Your Retirement Checklist to help you prepare.

When the time comes to take that giant step into retirement, Social Security’s online services can help guide you in this new journey. Use these services to help prepare yourself for a financially secure retirement:

  1. Check your earnings for accuracy
    • With a my Social Security account, you can view your earnings history, confirm you have enough work credits to retire, and see estimates of what your benefits will be. Open your account today!
  2. Determine the best age for you to retire
    • Our Retirement Estimator is a great tool that provides you with immediate and personalized estimates based on your own earnings record. This allows you to receive the most accurate estimate of your future retirement benefits. Estimate your benefits now!
  3. Retire online
    • After you have viewed your earnings history for accuracy, confirmed you have enough work credits to retire, and determined the best age for you to retire, you can get started on the next phase of your life right away by retiring online! Retire online today!

This National Social Security Month, remember that Social Security is here to help you secure today and tomorrow. Visit  our online services website today to see all you can do with us online.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. ali

  2. آزمون s.

    My mother in law, Erna Laufer died on 01-01-2020.
    What do I do now.

    I did not realize the first one went through. I thought I had eliminated it. Okey. Thank you.
    sat

  3. Harold s.

    My mother in law, Erna Laufer died on 01-01-2020.
    What do I do now.

    I did not realize the first one went through. I thought I had eliminated it. Okey. Thank you.

  4. Harold s.

    My mother in law, Erna Laufer died on 01-01-2020.
    What do I do now.

  5. Mary E.

    I would like to make an appointment with the SS office in Scottsdale, AZ. I am planning to retire Jan. 2021. There are more issues I would like to speak to an agent about in person than talking about it on the telephone. The office location is 16241 N Tatum, Scottsdale, AZ. Can you help me set an appointment? Thank you *****

    • Luis A.

      Hi Mary. For specific questions about your situation, please call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  6. Owen E.

    Does social security have my work record showing month and year I began and left Bristol Steel in Burton Michigan

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Owen. It sounds like you are referring to a detailed earnings record. For information about how to request a detailed earnings record, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  7. Scottie S.

    Can you please add Google Reader compatibility? It’s not able to recognize your RSS feed. You can email me if you need help in getting it to work.

    http://timeismoney.doneforyoubizness.com

  8. sanders

  9. Elaine d.

    Please delete above comments. Thought I was on email. Elaine Dewitt

  10. Elaine d.

    I received a letter from social security if over payment of 2705.50 on July 18 of 2019. On July 23 of 2019 I mailed in your envelope provided a check for 2705.50. Check no 1267. . On aug 9 of 2019 I spoke to representative Shannon about said check. Could not see where has come in. Can you please verify that you have gotten this check to ease my mind. Elaine Dewitt 17010 carlswood dr Baytown Texas 77523 my ss no is and date of birth is 4 23 1953 Mother’s middle name is Bertha Email is elainedewitt1@icloud.com. Please put me a5 ease. Statement on line says you will start holding more than I even receive monthly. I need to be prepared somehow. Do I need to put a stop on check that’d has been mailed. Thank you.

    • Elaine d.

      Please delete message above from Elaine Dewitt Through I was on emails.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Elaine. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

Comments are closed.