Don’t Get
Schooled, Get Smart about Social Security
By Erin Thompson Social
Security Public Affairs Specialist, Toledo, OH
Guest Column
Your summer job might be ending soon. You
might even hold a part time job while you’re in school. You
can easily jump to the head of the class and secure your
future with a few simple steps. As a young worker, you’re in
the best position for planning, investing, and saving for
your retirement, growing that nest egg as large as it can
be. The sooner you start, the more money you’ll have.
There are two easy ways to get started in
preparing for retirement: Open a free online my Social
Security account with Social Security. Having a personal
and secure account is easy, but better yet, it empowers you.
You can access the services you need in the convenience of
your own home or on the go without traveling to a Social
Security office. To open or access your account, go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Many of our resources are available online
and my Social Security is one of the best places to
access vital information about your retirement. We are
constantly adding new features to make your experience with
us faster and more convenient. You can even replace your
lost or misplaced Social Security card online in certain
areas. You could also start a myRA account. myRA
is designed for people who don’t have a retirement savings
plan through their employer, or are limited from other
savings options. Check it out at
www.myra.gov. If your employer provides a retirement
savings plan, such as a 401(k), learn more about that plan’s
potential matching contributions or other benefits. It’s
never too early, and the more you save now, the more you’ll
have later.
Did you know that a 20-year-old has a 1-in-4
chance of becoming disabled before reaching full retirement
age? Social Security will be there for you if you become
disabled and cannot work. Accessing your online account can
also help you determine your estimated future disability
benefits. To learn more about disability and to apply, go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi/apply.html.
The earlier you start
preparing for the future, the more comfortable that future
will be. Like a good friend, Social Security has your back
when it comes to retirement planning or in the unfortunate
event of disability. Learn more at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
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