Author: Maurie Backman, The Motley Fool

Here’s how to get as much as you can out of Social Security – now and in the future as you get closer to planning for retirement.

Many people dream of winning the lottery and taking home millions. But in reality, it takes a lot less money than that to change your life.

You’re enjoying your side gig more than your regular job – but are you ready to give your employer notice and venture out on your own?

The average American spends an estimated $697 a month on non-essential expenses and millennials are the worst offenders.

Don’t wait until the end of the year to make yourself a more viable candidate for a promotion. Instead, take steps to build your case immediately.

Social Security is a key income source, and if you want to make the most of it in retirement, you’ll need to be strategic about when you file.

Many retirees are caught off guard by rising expenses and inadequate savings, so much so that it puts a real damper on their golden years.

Believe it or not, there’s one thing you can do to boost your Social Security benefits after you’ve already filed for them: keep working.

Though 65 is when Medicare kicks in, it’s not full retirement age for Social Security purposes. And not knowing that difference could hurt you in the long run.

More than 40 percent of adults aren’t saving for retirement at all and Social Security isn’t going to pay all their bills.