This is a great resource for people planning for retirement. It offers useful financial tips for the future.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this first volume of author Emily Pogue's series on the background and workings of Social Security.

This review expresses my own personal opinion. I have not been asked to post it by the author, their publishing company or anyone connected with the book or author.

As the title suggests, Social Security in 30 Minutes, Volume 1: Retirement Benefits by Emily Pogue is a succinct and accessible guide to understanding the basics of Social Security. In just half an hour, readers can gain a solid grasp of this essential 89-year-old insurance plan for Americans.

Pogue effectively distills complex information into easy-to-understand language, making the intricate workings of Social Security comprehensible for everyone. She starts with a brief history, explaining the establishment and evolution of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its purpose of providing a financial safety net for those who are disabled, retired, or beneficiaries of the deceased.

The book covers SSA funding, benefit calculations, and eligibility criteria for different groups, including married, divorced, and surviving spouses, as well as children. Pogue also explains how Medicare and Social Security work together, touching on key points of Medicare enrollment, costs, and their interaction with Social Security benefits.

Why you should read this book:

1. Clarity and Simplicity: Pogue’s clear and concise writing makes the material accessible to all readers.
2. Knowledge is Power: Being well-informed about Social Security equips readers to make better decisions.
3. Practical Tips: The book offers practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls, filing strategies, and maximizing benefits.
4. If you're looking for a good primer on Social Security, this quick read is highly recommended.

I rate it 4 stars for its simplicity, ease of understanding, and the valuable information it provides.

This is a thorough and helpful guide that I will use and refer to on my journey towards retirement planning. I will recommend this to friends, co-workers and family.

This is well-organized and information we need to know.

Definitely worth your time to read Social Security in 30 Minutes, Volume 1.

Social Security seems so overwhelming; where to start. Sometimes it seems much easier to keep your head in the sand than to investigate; I'm so glad that this book crossed my path and gave me a little kick in the rear. This prompted me to create an account on SSA and review my information.

Several years ago I had someone trying to use my SSA benefits and I had to stop the scam. It was reassuring to go on line and confirm that all is as it should be.

My eyes aren't the best and I use text to voice to read most books. At page 10 (the first page of Chapter 1) thru page 48, I decided to use a timer and see whether this was a 30 minute book or not. From page 10 to the end of the book took 54 minutes (and I use a speed rate that is greater than 1). Reading some of the charts took much longer than it would for a visual reader. So even though it was longer than 30 minutes, this book is WORTH YOUR TIME!!!

Many thanks to author Emily Pogue for writing and for NetGalley and publisher i30 Media Corporation to approve my request to review the advance read copy of Social Security in 30 Minutes in exchange for an honest review. Between 4 and 5 stars, rounding up.

Maybe the list price of $14.99 might be a little pricey.; but the costs of not reading this book could definitely cost you a bundle. GoodReads indicates that the Kindle version is $2.99 ... that is a value!

The Advance Read copy also included several chapters for other "30 minute" books and I listened to those extra sections as well. Publication date is May 1, 2024.

Some good information, nothing really new. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the realm of personal finance literature, Emily Pouge's "Social Security In 30 Minutes, Volume 1: Retirement Benefits" emerges as a beacon of clarity. This concise guide serves as a lighthouse for those navigating the often turbulent waters of retirement planning.

Pouge, with her background as a human services coordinator, distills the complexities of Social Security into digestible morsels that can be consumed and understood in less time than it takes to finish a lunch break. The book covers a gamut of essential topics, from the calculation of retirement benefits using work credits to the intricacies of taxes on benefits and cost-of-living adjustments.

What sets this volume apart is its straightforward approach. Pouge employs plain English and practical examples, making the content accessible to readers regardless of their financial literacy level. Her explanations on full retirement age, early retirement, and delayed retirement are particularly enlightening, offering readers a clear path to maximizing their monthly payments.

Moreover, the book doesn't shy away from the less-discussed aspects of Social Security, such as benefits for family members and survivors, and the implications for workers with government pensions. It also provides valuable insights into communicating with the Social Security Administration, navigating Social Security and Medicare, and avoiding common Social Security scams.

At just over 100 pages, "Social Security In 30 Minutes, Volume 1" is a testament to Pouge's ability to convey critical information without overwhelming the reader. It's an award-winning formula that has garnered positive reviews for its effectiveness and ease of understanding.

In summary, Emily Pouge's guide is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to demystify Social Security retirement benefits.

The author did a good job explaining the SSA and what to expect in an easy understanding manner. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley.