20 Little-Known Things That Could Help With Bills If You're Living On Just Social Security

Last updated July 28, 2026 | By FinanceBuzz Editors

These Social Security Changes That Could Put More Money in Your Pocket in 2026

Social Security is a major source of retirement income, and in 2026, several changes could mean more money in your pocket. Here's what's changing and how it could help you.

  1. A 2.8% bump to your monthly check: Social Security benefits are going up 2.8% in 2026. For the average retiree, that's roughly $56 more per month. It may not sound like much, but over a year that's an extra $672.
  2. The maximum possible benefit just hit a new high: If you've been a high earner, the ceiling is higher than ever. The maximum monthly benefit at full retirement age is now $4,152. And if you can wait until 70 to claim, that number jumps to $5,181 per month.
  3. You can earn more without losing benefits: If you're collecting Social Security early and still working, the earnings limits are higher in 2026. You can now earn up to $24,480 before any benefits are withheld, and up to $65,160 in the year you hit full retirement age.
  4. A new $6,000 tax deduction for seniors: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a new deduction for taxpayers 65 and older: up to $6,000 per person ($12,000 for qualifying married couples). You can claim it whether you itemize or not. It phases out above $75,000 MAGI for singles and $150,000 for joint filers, and it's only available for tax years 2025 through 2028.

These changes could help stretch your benefits further and lower your tax bill in retirement. If you're looking for even more ways to make your money go further, check out these offers from our partners below:

Hearing Aids: Get a 45-day no-risk trial for these revolutionary German-engineered hearing aids

Have you noticed voices sounding muffled or find yourself asking “what?” more often? Hearing conversations clearly makes all the difference, whether it’s sharing laughs with family or catching every word with friends. The good news? There’s a simple way to bring back the clarity.

Horizon IX hearing aids by hear.com offer crystal-clear speech understanding using advanced German technology. These nearly invisible, medical-grade devices provide twice the speech clarity of competitors, even in noisy places.

The aids connect to a simple smartphone app that makes them easy to set up and use. Plus, Horizon IX lasts up to 19 hours on a single charge, so no more dead batteries.

hear.com is trusted by over 500,000 customers worldwide, has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.9/5 rating at Consumer Affairs, and is known for their award-winning customer service.

We recommend at least a 680+ credit score in order to qualify for flexible financing. Click below and enter some information including your phone number. They will contact you via phone and take care of getting everything set up.

Get a 45-day no-risk trial and see if you qualify for flexible financing

See if your credit card debt is eligible for this debt relief program

If you have a lot of debt, getting out of it can feel stressful (and nearly impossible). Here’s the problem: the longer you put off tackling it, the harder it may get to fix. If you don’t take control of it early on, it can add undue stress to your life for years. But what if there was a way to get out of debt once and for all?

National Debt Relief could help. If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their certified debt specialists may be able to help you settle your debt for less than you owe — with one low monthly program payment.

Best of all? There are zero upfront fees, and you could be debt-free in 24-48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions and get connected with a caring debt specialist. The consultation is completely free and only takes 30 seconds to see if you qualify!1

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for National Debt Relief


Did You Know?

On average, debt settlement saves clients around 32% of their enrolled debt after fees, according to a 2023 study by the Association for Consumer Debt Relief. The consultation costs nothing. People who enroll and complete the program could be debt-free in 24 to 48 months.

Sources: Association for Consumer Debt Relief (2023)

Diversify your hard-earned retirement savings with gold

U.S. Gold Bureau offers everything from physical ownership to IRAs in gold and silver that have a proven track record during unstable markets. In fact, from 2005 to 2020, the price of gold increased by 330%. And during the stock market crash of 2008, the value of gold actually increased by 25%.2

Take control of your legacy today in 3 easy steps:

  1. Request your FREE IRA investor's guide and receive up to $20,000 in free gold.3
  2. Speak to a dedicated specialist about the best option for you.
  3. Transfer or invest to better diversify your portfolio.

You're in good hands, as they boast an A+ rating with the BBB, are the U.S. Mint’s largest bulk purchaser, and share a facility with the nation's only state-administered precious metals depository. 

If you have at least $30,000 to invest,take control of your savings now.

Use this card to pay no interest for 15 months (yes, it is kind of remarkable)

Imagine getting 15 months with 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (APR then 17.49% - 26.49% (Variable); Balance transfer fee applies). Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with one of the industry-leading no-interest cards - the Discover it® Cash Back (Rates and fees) - and pay no interest into 2027 on purchases and balance transfers!

If you want to kick high-interest credit card debt to the curb, this is one of the leading cards available. Transfer high-interest debt to this card with a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (APR then 17.49% - 26.49% (Variable)). Cardholders also get a generous intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases (APR then 17.49% - 26.49% (Variable)). Your payments can go directly to paying down your balance without incurring a pile of additional interest charges. That could save you hundreds of dollars in interest!

The best part? The Discover it® Cash Back is accepted by 99% of merchants (according to the February 2025 issue of the Nilson Report), boasts an exceptional cash back rewards rate, and has no annual fee.

Click here to apply now for the Discover it® Cash Back


Quick Tip

According to a U.S. News report using Experian data, the average American carrying a $6,735 credit card balance at a 22.25% APR could pay over $1,248 in interest just to pay it off. With an introductory 0% APR offer on eligible purchases or qualifying balance transfers, you help avoid interest charge during the intro period, allowing more of each payment to go toward the balance.

Sources: U.S. News Money (2025)

This plan protects select Ohio homes from many expensive appliance and home repairs (seniors, lock in your ultra-low rate)

Sounds crazy. And maybe you’re not even sure if this is real. But … you’re probably curious anyway. If you live in Ohio and own your home, Choice Home Warranty could make it so you don’t have to pay $1,000s on home repairs anymore.

They’ve been around since 2008 (so you know they’re legit) and they offer affordable plans to cover appliances and systems in your home that could break down. Just make your claim online or give them a call. Their team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.4

Choose a plan here and you could still lock in their ultra-low 2026 rates for a limited time. You could tap into immense savings for nearly any system or appliance in your home that’s covered.

Not everyone is eligible for this plan so here’s how to check:

  1. Click the link below and enter your zip code.
  2. Answer a few simple questions.
  3. See if your home qualifies and lock in your rate.

Choose a plan here and and see if you’re eligible for $50 off and 1 month free

P.S. We negotiated a special deal for FinanceBuzz readers who sign up using the link above. Use it this week to get $50 off and 1 month free. We don’t know how long it will last, so take advantage of it today before it disappears.

Access up to $500K of your home equity with no additional monthly payments

If you want to access your home equity — but don’t qualify for a traditional HELOC — Splitero could be perfect.

How it works: Splitero is a Home Equity Investment product that bets on your home's future value going up. You get cash now, and when you cash settle, sell, or refinance, you give Splitero a small portion based on how much your home is worth then.

(By the way, if your home value decreases, the value of the percentage Splitero is entitled to also decreases. That could be a lot safer for you.)

Splitero is rated “A” by the BBB and you can use the money however you like. Pay off debt, renovate your home, or invest, all without worrying about additional monthly payments.

You may qualify if you:

  1. Have some equity in your home — 30% or more.
  2. Have a credit score of 500+.
  3. It’s your residence, and you live there.
Enter your home address here to pre-qualify in less than 2 minutes

Tax Debt: Ask this company to pay off your late tax debt

Past-due tax debt is overwhelming.

It weighs on your mind and causes massive anxiety. You end up emotionally and physically drained. Even worse when the IRS starts sending letters threatening wage garnishment and huge fines.

Tax Relief Advocates is designed specifically to help you get out of tax debt faster and could even eliminate or reduce some of the debt you owe.

While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, Tax Relief Advocates talks to the IRS directly. They can help you pay off your tax debt faster while potentially reducing what you owe.

Important: Not everyone will qualify. To take advantage of this special program you must owe more than $10,000 in past-due taxes.

Fill out this form to get started

Senior homeowners in Ohio could be eligible to borrow from their home equity (see if you qualify)

If you want to renovate your home or consolidate debt, you could get a loan. But if you own a home in Ohio and have decent equity, you need to see this instead. This popular program lets you tap into up to $400,000 fast, without affecting your mortgage rate or getting into more high interest debt.

Rocket Mortgage is actively helping homeowners use their home’s equity to wipe out toxic high interest debt or finally tackle big home upgrades. Their tool finds your lowest eligible fixed rate and gets you the money you need so you can use it immediately. No hidden fees. No long waits. No hassle.

Slash your interest burden and fix what’s broken without giving up your current mortgage rate.

You might be eligible if you check these 3 boxes:

  1. You’ve owned your home for 2+ years.
  2. You’ve built some equity.
  3. Your credit score is 680 or higher.

See how much cash you can access (no impact to your credit)

Get a free stair lift estimate before you sink $10,000s into renovating your home

If you or a loved one struggles with stairs, do not move to a new house or spend $10,000+ on a home elevator or renovation. An affordable custom stair lift could be a faster solution (and $1,000s cheaper) and this free in-home consultation can help you find one.

Leaf Home Safety Solutions is actively helping senior homeowners get custom stair lifts without spending a fortune. They offer straight, curved, and outdoor options, installed by pros and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. You could stay in the home you love without a renovation.

Skip the stress of researching stair lift companies on your own. Leaf Home brings trained local experts to your door for a free, no-pressure estimate.

You might be a good fit if: 1) You own your home, 2) You or a loved one has trouble with stairs, and 3) Your ZIP code qualifies.

Complete this short form to get started

Weight Loss: Save as much as 80% on weight loss meds

If you're finally ready to lose weight, GLP-1s, like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, could help you shed up to 14.9% of your body weight.5 And this company we found called ReadyRX gets them to you at around 80% less than name brands.

It might sound crazy, but ReadyRX operates on a cash-only basis and no insurance is required. This is one of the ways they’re able to provide up to 80% off the typical cost of weight-loss medications like Ozempic® and Zepbound®. (You can pay via credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard.)

Skip the surgeries, diets, and expensive costs of weight loss. Start your journey with GLP-1s at around 80% less than name-brand prices. Plus, your plan is guided by board-certified doctors, 100% online. No insurance required and no hidden fees.

ReadyRX has 5,000+ members and holds a 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot. They even back their plans with a 28-week weight loss guarantee. All medications are compounded in the USA through FDA-registered pharmacies and 3rd party lab tested.

Limited time offer: Right now, get $100 off your first month with code LMS26.

Take the quiz to get up to 80% off weight loss medications starting at $179/month ($6/day)

Get $15,000-$500,000 from your home (no monthly payments)

This is really cool. If you own a home and want to take equity out (to pay down debt or fund home renovations, for example) you can — but usually, you have to make payments each month. This company gets rid of that.

It sounds crazy, but it's called Unlock, and it lets you take money out of your home right now without making monthly payments. It's called a Home Equity Agreement (HEA), which is a partnership between you and Unlock where you get money now in return for a portion of your home's future appreciation in value.

Unlock can give you access to $15,000–$500,000, but you can take what you need based on what you qualify for.6You can also leave the partnership at any time by buying them out or selling your home. To get started, go to their website, enter your address, and see how much you could qualify for in two minutes. It's incredible.

Complete the form here and get your instant cash estimate

Stop getting ripped off by high interest debt payments

If you have credit card debt, you know that paying your bill each month is anxiety-inducing … and sometimes close to impossible with what you have in the bank.

If that’s you, a company called LendingTree7wants to help. They can match you with loan providers that could help you pay off your debt quickly.

Think about it this way: For example, $30,000 in credit card debt at 25% APR will cost you $622.60 every single month in interest alone. But, with a rate as low as 6.50% APR (possible through LendingTree’s lenders), you’d only pay $160.69 interest.

That’s over $460 a month you’d get to keep for yourself in this scenario! Even better, you don’t need a perfect credit score, and checking for loans won’t affect your credit.

Truthfully, this company exists to help you get ahead in life. They have a 4.5/5 rating on TrustPilot with more than 15,000 verified reviews, and you can see your options in a matter of minutes. It’s certainly worth a shot if you’re feeling suffocated by debt.

See if your $30K+ credit card debt is eligible for options with LendingTree

Ohio Driver? Cancel your car insurance

Before you renew your current car insurance policy, you owe it to yourself to see what else is out there. Many drivers stick with the same provider for years without checking if they could pay less … and that's exactly how you could end up missing opportunities to save.

Getting a Farmers quote takes just a few minutes, and what you find could surprise you. People who make the switch could end up saving up to $550 on average.8That could be real money back in your pocket every single month.

If you want to see if you could be paying less with Farmers, here's what to do:

  1. Click the link below and enter your zip code.
  2. Answer a few quick questions about your car and driving history to get matched with a quote.
  3. If you find a better rate, switch your policy and start saving.

Get your quote now and see if you could pay less for the same coverage.


Quick Tip

Don't forget to cancel your old policy so you're not paying double

Pay less when you stay at hotels and dine out


Best Western Senior Discounts: Minimum 10% discount on room rates for guests aged 55 and over.

Denny's Senior Discount: Special discounted menu for guests aged 55 and above. Additionally, AARP members receive 15% off their total bill at participating locations.

AMC Theatres Senior Pricing: Discounted ticket prices for seniors aged 60 and above.

Earn 3% cash back at Walmart, gas, or dining

If you shop at Walmart even once a month, you need to see this. It's been reported that more than 40% of Americans buy their groceries at Walmart,9but if you pay with a regular debit card, you could be missing out on a chance to earn solid cash back.

OnePay changes that. For a limited time, new members earn up to $350 cash back with direct deposits when signing up to bank through OnePay with a FinanceBuzz link through 8/31.10 Plus, new members can earn 10% cash back on their first Walmart purchase within the first month, on up to $200 spent.11After that, you keep earning 3% cash back at Walmart every month on up to $150 spent, with eligible deposits.12

But you don’t just earn cash back at Walmart with OnePay — you can also earn on gas, dining, and more. When you bank through OnePay, you get a mobile banking app and secured credit card with no monthly fees, no minimum balances, and no overdraft fees.13

Plus, you can earn 3.35% APY on your savings with eligible deposits14and can get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit15and fee-free cash withdrawals at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide.16And you can earn 25¢/gallon extra cash back on your first gas purchase.17

Bank through OnePay and earn 10% back at Walmart on your first purchase

Turn your home’s value into extra cash

If you want to pay a large expense now, like a home improvement project or credit card debt, you may have considered using your home equity as leverage to borrow a large sum of money.

But with interest rates rising in recent years, a cash-out refinance or home equity loan may not make financial sense.

Here’s a potential solution: Get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) instead.

Using LendingTree’s simple HELOC matching tool7 (yes, the company from the commercials), you can compare rates and see what works for you.

How a home equity line of credit is different: Your line of credit acts similar to a credit card, where you can withdraw funds when you need them, and you’re only responsible for minimum monthly payments for what’s called the “draw period,” which is usually 10 years. After this borrowing period ends, you pay off the rest of your balance during an extended repayment period, which is usually 20 years.

Plus, as a revolving line of credit, rates are usually variable, so you won’t be locked into a fixed rate if they ever go lower.

To get started:

  1. Check out LendingTree’s HELOC matching tool.
  2. Answer a few questions.
  3. Be matched with personalized offers for you.

Visit LendingTree

Overpaying for ED Meds: Seniors can get ED meds as low as $0.87/pill

The cost of name brand ED meds (like Viagra) can be as high as $3,000 a month without insurance. Ouch. But this company we found makes it easy for seniors to get practically the exact same medication — for as low as $0.87/pill. That’s significantly cheaper!

This new company does not accept insurance and operates on a “cash pay” basis, which is how they keep costs so low, even for seniors. (You can still pay via credit card.) Pharmacies are U.S.- based and dispense only FDA-approved ED medication for your safety and peace of mind. They are trusted by 41,933+ customers.

To get started: Take a short assessment to get matched with the right medication for your needs. It takes about 60 seconds. No in-person visits needed, and medications are prescribed by licensed doctors. Shipping is also free and discreet on any prescription.

BONUS: New customers get an extra $10 off their first purchase using the link below.

Get ED meds here for as low as $0.87/pill

Get the best price on your bathroom remodel with free quotes

Looking to remodel your bathroom? Get your free quote and compare prices from top local pros in your area. Homeowners in available ZIP codes could find great deals on their bathroom renovation.

Modernize connects you with local remodeling pros who compete for your business, which could help you get a better price. Take a minute to compare quotes and see what your bathroom remodel could cost.

If your bathroom is outdated, remodeling could improve the resale value of your home and your everyday comfort. Every homeowner should compare quotes to see what a new bathroom could cost.

Get your free quote to get started

Stop getting ripped off by high-interest debt payments

If you have credit card debt, you know that paying your bill each month is anxiety-inducing … and sometimes close to impossible with what you have in the bank.

If that's you, a company called Freedom Debt Relief wants to help. They could help negotiate with your creditors to settle your unsecured debt for less than you owe.

Think about it this way: $30,000 in credit card debt at 25% APR will cost you $622.60 every single month in interest alone. But Freedom Debt Relief’s representatives may be able to help you resolve that debt for less than you owe.

That’s more money you'd get to keep for yourself while you continue to resolve your debt. Even better, you don’t need a perfect credit score, and there are no settlement fees until your unsecured debt is settled.

Truthfully, this company exists to help you get ahead in life. They have a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot with more than 48,000 verified reviews, and they've already served over 1 million clients and settled more than $20 billion in debt.18It's certainly worth a shot if you're feeling suffocated by debt.

See if your $30K+ credit card debt qualifies for options with Freedom Debt Relief

Ask a pro: Is your $1M+ portfolio working as hard as it could?

A one percent fee sounds like nothing. But on a $1 million portfolio, that's around $10,000 a year, every year, whether your advisor earns it or not.

But here’s the thing: you know a good financial advisor could help you stretch your savings further with strategies around tax-efficient withdrawals, capital gains, and required minimum distributions, which could save you thousands.

You don’t want to overspend on fees. But you also don’t want to miss out on tax cuts and savings. The answer? You don’t need any financial advisor. You need the right financial advisor.

This free matching quiz connects people with $1M+ in investable assets with up to three fiduciary advisors who serve their area, so they compare and choose the one that fits.

Overpaying on Windows: Ohio seniors could save big on new windows

Old windows drive up your home's electric bill. But if you live in Ohio and your windows are 5+ years old, you could save $1,000s.

Renewal by Andersen is actively helping senior homeowners score these huge savings. Their certified experts install energy-efficient windows that can cut monthly bills and instantly upgrade your home’s comfort and value. If your windows are aging, this is one of the fastest ways to lock in huge savings.

Slash the cost of new windows by tapping into Renewal by Andersen’s seasonal promotions (see BONUS below), high-impact per-window discounts, special financing offers, and qualifying ENERGY STAR® tax credits most homeowners never even realize they can claim.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:

  1. You own your home.
  2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
  3. You live in an available ZIP code.

Complete this short form and access up to 40% off!

BONUS: For a limited time, buy one get one 40% OFF.19Plus, get $200 off your purchase!19

See if you’re eligible to cancel your money-draining timeshare contract

Are you stuck in a timeshare contract? The average timeshare owner pays roughly $1,200 a year in maintenance fees,20and those fees tend to rise 5% or more annually, often for a property they no longer use.

The Stonegate Firm provides legal and advocacy services to help consumers pursue legitimate exit options from their timeshare contract. If your contract qualifies, their attorneys work to identify violations of federal consumer protection laws and negotiate directly with resorts.

See if your timeshare may be eligible:

  1. Answer a few questions about your timeshare and contract.
  2. A Stonegate Firm specialist will review your case.
  3. If you qualify, they walk you through the cancellation process.

You’re in good hands. The Stonegate Firm is BBB Accredited with an A+ rating.

Check Your Cancellation Eligibility Free - 30 Second Assessment

Earn a bonus worth $200 to use toward your next flight or hotel 

If you're planning a trip, apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (Rates and fees) here and you can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 3 months — that's worth $200 toward travel!

There is no extra work beyond the spending requirement to earn the early spend bonus, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fee. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card also lets you earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

Redeem miles for flights, hotels, and car rentals, OR statement credits, gift cards, and transfers to over 15 airline or hotel partners! If you travel even once a year this card could is worth it and could net you with $100s in rewards to use toward travel. Don't delay — apply today!

Recommended for good or excellent credit.

Click here to apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card now

Restaurants & Meal Delivery: Take advantage of massive discounts at restaurants and meal delivery companies

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on:

  • Restaurants (save up to $450 per year!)
  • Meal deliveries
  • Airfare, Hotels, Cruises and Rental Cars
  • Eyeglasses and even prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance

Plus you’ll also get insider info on retirement planning, job listings, caregiving.

How to become a member today:

  • Click the link below, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Get 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal

How Ohio homeowners are preventing roof rot, mold, and foundation damage for good

Most homeowners think of gutters as just a cleaning chore. The bigger risk is what happens when they clog. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage, roof rot, mold, even foundation problems, the kind of repairs that run into the thousands.

If you own a home in Ohio, HomeBuddy offers a powerful, one-of-a-kind gutter guard built to prevent exactly that. Their micromesh filter keeps common debris out, so your gutters stay clear and your home stays protected. And because it actually works, you may be able to stop hiring gutter cleaners altogether. The company will even clean out and realign your gutters before they install.

Don't waste money on cheap, ineffective guards that claim to be clog-free. This one's built to last.

See if you qualify today: Click the link below, enter your ZIP code and home info, and a representative will reach out to schedule a free estimate.

See if you qualify

Excellent for earning cash back with a low intro APR
4.7
info

on Issuer's secure website

Intro APR
Purchases:
0%, 15 months
Balance Transfers:
0%, 15 months;
Balance transfer fee applies
Regular APR
17.49% - 26.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% - 5%info
Cash back
Why We Like It
  • Multiply your first-year cash back: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • Plus, pay 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then APR is 17.49% - 26.49% (Variable)). Balance transfer fee applies

  • Enjoy no annual fee in addition to the opportunity for generous cash back

on Issuer's secure website

Recommended Creditinfo
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Card Details