How to Save for Retirement Without a 401(k)

[See 10 Ways to Boost Your Social Security Checks.]

Maximize Social Security. Almost all Americans are saving for retirement through the Social Security program. The amount you get is calculated based on your 35 highest earning years in the workforce, and it varies based on the age you first sign up. "In general, you are better off waiting because every year you wait past your full retirement age you get about an 8 percent bump in your benefit by waiting to collect," says Miller. "If you can wait until age 70, you can get a pretty significant bump." After age 70, there is no additional advantage to further delaying claiming your benefits.

Twitter: @aiming2retire

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