Social Security: The Inside Story, 2016 Edition

This is the best book on Social Security that I have ever read. It can serve as a great reference book. The only reason I am giving it four stars instead of five is because the author paints too rosy a picture of the service you receive from Social Security representatives. The author leads you to believe that Social Security will get you the optimum benefits. This may be true for simple cases but it is not always the case for more complicated cases. Some representatives will indeed optimize your benefits but others will not. I have helped two people get higher Social Security benefits. You need to look after yourself. If you are divorced after being married for ten years or more be sure to read the sections on spousal and survivor benefits for divorced spouses. If you become a widow at less than full retirement age, the rules are so complicated that you might want to purchase the Maximize My Social Security software to optimize your benefits. I have nothing to do with this company. It is recommended by this book.

Andy Landis did an excellent job explaining various aspects of Social Security and Medicare while making the book easy and enjoyable to read. I was impressed enough with it that I am switching to this book as required reading for two classes I am the leas instructor for. The book includes different steps that most Social Security participants should be aware of before they select when and which benefit they want to receive. I read the Kindle version of the book in a few days. I also purchased the paper version. It is easier to read a number of tables in the paper version. I do like, however, having the Kindle version to find different sections. We will begin using this in a few weeks in the courses. Although the students will not know about the book I used to use, I'm certain that they will appreciate having The Inside Story.

This is a great resource for anyone that even thinks they may be eligible for benefits now or in the future. Understanding topics covered in this text can result in a persons receiving literally thousands more in benefits from social security at a time when this may be the only or a very significant source of income. It also covers all of the benefits, to widows, disabled, children of deceased earners. Many people are probably eligible for benefits and don't apply because they do not have this resource, and don't think they are eligible. I am the youngest surviving sibling in my family but I have become a resource on this topic for my siblings and their friend because, I took the trouble to purchase and read this book. I am so glad that Andy used to be regularly interviewed on a radio finance program that I used to listen to, and as a result of that I purchased this book. A financial win for both the author and the reader.

This book was highly rated and said to be very comprehensive. I was a little concerned it would be difficult to read and not helpful. It turns out the writing style is very good, the content well organized and easy to follow. I highly recommend this book.

I bought this after buying Murphy's SocSec for Decision makers, which was probably the most worthless book I've ever read.Landis' book is superb by comparison and excellent by itself. It is cogent and clear, well organized, the charpters divided into clear sections and subsections, with numerous examples with straightforward and simple math; it has a glossary and an index, lacking in Murphy's (apparantly self-published) book. It also has a good section on medicare, which isnt even mentioned by murphy. A great place to start learning about SS.

This is the Bible of Social Security books. I took it to my first appointment and everything went extremely smooth. The representative was very impressed with my preparedness and knowledge, thanks to this book.

The Landis book is thorough, clear, and easy to read, understand, and refer back to, as questions arise about Social Security and Medicare. It's great that it is routinely updated for recent law changes. I recommend it to anyone within 5 years of retiring, and remind them to buy the revised, current edition. I've given this as a gift to many friends and family members with encouragement to read it cover to cover and then keep handy as a reference.

Good information