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The 6 Biggest Changes to Social Security Over the Past 20 Years That Affect Your Retirement Money

If you’re gearing up for retirement, chances are Social Security plays a big role in your plan. But here’s the thing — Social Security today isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago. And that can seriously impact how much money ends up in your pocket.

I’ve worked with tons of folks who’ve been caught off guard by some pretty big shifts — some subtle, some not so much — that have changed how benefits are calculated, when you can claim, and even how much you pay in taxes. These aren’t just boring rule tweaks; they can be the difference between an easy retirement or having to scramble every month.

Here’s the lowdown on the six biggest changes you should know about, plus some common pitfalls I’ve seen people fall into.