The economic downturn has wiped out trillions of dollars in retirement savings. Job loss, devalued homes, tight credit, and dwindling savings have prompted many who are eligible for Social Security to sign up earlier than they planned. But claiming benefits early may not get you the maximum payout. Learn strategies that could significantly increase your Social Security income for the rest of your life. Meet one woman who increased her monthly benefits by 75 percent. The recession has taken billions of dollars out of the Social Security system, too. Will the system survive? Find out what top analysts think should be done to save it.
