The Complete Idiot S Guide To Social Security

Presents a history of Society Security in the United States and covers the basics of collecting retirement benefits, disability benefits, Medicare, medigap, and privatization of Social Security.

Get it while you can ... Complex, ever-changing, and controversial, the future of our current system of Social Security and Medicare is uncertain. This indispensable guide explains the proposed changes and current status of these important social programs. Completely revised to incorporate changes to compensation scales and survivor benefits, and with an expanded section on Medicare and the new drug programs, this book is the most up-to-date overview of Social Security and Medicare currently available. * Revised and updated with the latest 2006 statistics on income scales and cost of living; such Social Security Benefits as survivor benefits and disability payments; tax codes; and more * Completely new chapters on Medicare, the Medicare Drug Programs, and the current political climate and proposed changes * Completely revised section on resources

"Understand what the changes in both programs mean for you"--Cover.

A necessary plan for a secure and comfortable retirement Everyone wants to retire with personal and financial peace of mind. But the question is always: will there be enough money to fund a comfortable lifestyle? That’s where this book comes to the rescue, addressing every conceivable concern—from health care to Social Security—about setting up a sound plan for retirement. And it’s never too late to start. • The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College reports that 43% of Americans fall short of their pre-retirement income • Robert Powell of MarketWatch agrees that “Americans have little set aside for retirement” • Written by a nationally recognized financial expert • Perfect for the nearly eight million baby boomers approaching retirement

This guide addresses every conceivable concern, from healthcare to Social Security, about setting up a sound plan for retirement.

A penny saved may be a penny earned, but a penny invested can be even more. In this financial crisis, old advice about equities, mutual funds, commodities, and real estate may no longer hold. Here is a fresh look at all aspects of investing to help readers protect and grow their wealth. This edition includes the most current information on: • Corporate fundamentals • The sub-prime crisis and its effects • Practical tools for evaluating mutual funds • Advice about riding the equity market • The use of Exchange Traded Funds

It isn't too late to recoup! Today, with investments worth only a fraction of what they were a year ago, people need to be smarter about their finances. This book is here to level the playing field, explaining the games that are played, and the details that can confuse anyone when they depend on the false assumptions the money people are encouraging them to believe. ?How banks and credit card companies profit from their customers ?Your 401(k) and retirement plans - not all nest eggs are created equal ?Buying and selling a home - the Mortgage Meltdown 101 ?Health care, college tuition, car purchase and maintenance, and life insurance - and a lot of fine print to read!

Simple steps to connecting with others. Now readers can raise their social intelligence quotient with a little self-knowledge and practice. Beginning with a series of short quizzes that generate a personal social profile, this guide explains how readers can enhance their ability to create and sustain mutually enriching relationships, make friends, and build a rich social network. • “Social intelligence” is the new buzz word in the psychology of relationships. • Includes social personality quizzes. • Hot, new self-help topic. • Author Gregory Korgeski, PhD, has more than 30 years of experience as a licensed psychologist.