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

Last updated June 12, 2026 | By FinanceBuzz Editors
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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:

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.1It'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

Born before 1989? Credit card holders could get $30K+ settled for less than they owe

If you owe $30,000+ in debt and were born before 1989, nobody can really stop you from doing this. And right now, it might be the #1 rule we think of to potentially resolve outstanding debt.

So … what is this rule?

If you owe $30,000+, it’s time to check if you qualify for this debt relief program. It’s called Americor, and it’s 100% free to check eligibility. And with credit card rates skyrocketing, Americans are taking advantage of it.

With the savings you could get, you could take a vacation, fund a business, pay for home renovations — almost anything. Too many people think debt relief programs are too good to be true, but Americor is one of the most effective and well-loved programs we’ve found. Over 30% of their clients receive their first settlement within one month!

They have an A+ with the Better Business Bureau, 4.8/5 on Google, and 4.7/5 on Trustpilot, and have had 500,000+ enrolled clients. In fact, for those who stay with the program and make all monthly program payments, their average client saves 45% on their total enrolled debt before fees.2 That’s like cutting your debt almost in half!

Answer a few questions at the link below to check your eligibility for free. If you’re eligible, claim your spot for this debt relief program immediately.

$30,000+ in debt and born before 1989: See if you qualify for this debt relief program

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%.3

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.4
  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.

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

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). 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 get-out-of-debt 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 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

Stop paying for gutter cleaning services (seniors could save $100s every year!)

Hiring a gutter cleaner multiple times per year can be expensive over the lifetime of your home, adding up to $1,000s of dollars. But with this new service, senior homeowners may be able to get rid of that annoying yearly cost!

LeafFilter is a powerful, one-of-a-kind gutter guard that’s so effective you may be able to stop hiring gutter cleaners altogether. The best part is that this company will clean out and realign your gutters prior to installing for you.

Don’t waste your money on cheap, ineffective solutions that claim to be clog-free. LeafFilter’s micromesh filter provides durability and performance that keeps your gutters protected from common debris.

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

Enter your ZIP code here to get started

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.5

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.

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

Ohio residents, see if you could save on a walk-in shower upgrade

Design your perfect shower without breaking the bank. If you live in Ohio and your bathroom is stuck in the past, it's time for an upgrade you'll actually use every day.

HomeBuddy connects you with pre-screened local pros who install modern walk-in showers built around your style, your space, and your needs.

Skip the runaround. Get matched with a contractor and secure a free estimate in minutes. No pressure. No hassle.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:

  1. You own your home.
  2. You're ready to ditch the old tub.
  3. You live in an available ZIP code.

Get your free estimate to get started

Tax Debt: Ask this company to help you 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.

Alleviate Tax is designed specifically to help you get out of tax debt faster and could reduce some of the debt you owe.

While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, Alleviate Tax 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.

Answer a few questions to get started

Take control of high interest debt payments

If you have credit card debt, that monthly bill could feel impossible when your bank balance is already running on fumes.

This new tool could help you regain control over your debt quickly. You’ll get tailored recommendations and matches from companies based on your debt situation that could help you pay down your debt quickly and possibly with less interest

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Click the link below.
  2. Answer a few quick questions about your income and financial situation.
  3. Securely connect your accounts through Plaid (banking, savings, credit cards, debt, investments).
  4. Instantly receive a personalized debt solution plan, including which companies could best match your situation.

This service is 100% free. Click the link below and see which programs you might match with.

Click here to see which options you could match with

Stop getting ripped off by credit card companies

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 LendingTree6wants 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

Home Insurance: Save potentially $1,000 or more on home insurance in Columbus

Most people don't even think twice about what they pay for home insurance. Huge mistake. Especially if you want more money in retirement. If you live in Columbus and you haven’t checked rates recently, you could save potentially $1,000s.

This tool is actively helping homeowners score huge savings on better home insurance. They bring top insurance providers together to compete for your business, potentially giving you a better deal. This could drive the cost down for you by orders of magnitude.

You could slash the cost of home insurance by tapping into potential discounts and incentives most homeowners probably don’t even know exist.

You might be eligible if you check these 3 boxes:

  1. You own your home.
  2. You are willing to switch providers to save money.
  3. Your ZIP code qualifies.

Complete this short questionnaire to see if you qualify

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

Overpaying for Healthcare: A Medicare Supplement insurance plan may help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn't cover

You might think you have most health bills covered with Original Medicare. But then you get hit with a hospital deductible for a short stay — and you have to pay out of pocket. That’s where a Medicare Supplement insurance plan may help.1

Original Medicare only covers about 80% of Medicare-approved expenses. A Medigap plan can help make that remaining 20% more predictable by covering certain deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Some plans pay 100% of Part A coinsurance for covered stays and some or all of Part B coinsurance. As long as you pay your premium on time, your plan is generally guaranteed renewable. Here's how to get started:

  1. Click the link below and enter your ZIP code.
  2. Answer a few questions about your current coverage.
  3. Get matched with plans and enroll online or over the phone.

Get your questions answered by licensed insurance agents/brokers and secure the right coverage with Healthcare.com

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

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 10% cash back on your next Walmart purchase

If you're still using an account that charges monthly fees and you earn next to nothing on your savings, you need to try OnePay. 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.7

Sign up for OnePay here and you can earn 3% cash back on Walmart, gas, or dining on up to $150 spent per month, with eligible deposits.8On top of that, you can earn 3.35% APY on your savings with eligible deposits9and get paid up to 2 days early when you set up direct deposit.10 And you can earn 25¢/gallon extra cash back on your first gas purchase.11

You also get fee-free overdraft with eligible deposits,12fee-free cash withdrawals at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide,13and free bill pay with eligible deposits.14

Limited time offer: earn 10% cash back on your first Walmart purchase made within your first month, on up to $200 spent.15

Open a OnePay deposit account today

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 tool6 (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

Access your home equity to cover debt — no monthly payments for 10 years

If you're carrying high-interest debt, your home’s equity may be able to help pay it down — without adding another monthly loan payment.

This isn’t a HELOC or refinance. Instead, Unlock offers a home equity agreement (HEA), which gives you cash today in exchange for a share of your home’s future value.

With Unlock, you could access up to $500,000 of your home’s equity and make no payments for ten years.

And don’t worry — Unlock has an A+ rating from the BBB. So see what you’re eligible for, and you could have the funds you need to end your toxic debt loop sooner than you think.

See what you may qualify for with a quick eligibility check

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 don’t know how long this will last. If your credit score is 680+ you may qualify for a 45-day no-risk trial and flexible financing options. Click below, answer the questions, and enter your phone number at the end to secure your trial.

Schedule a call to request a 45-day no-risk trial and flexible financing

Advisor Fees: You could be overpaying for your retirement planning

Fees matter. High fees can cut into your returns and affect your overall nest egg. But the ways fees are levied vary. Some are “fee only,” charging a flat rate regardless of usage. Others take a percentage of all assets under management. Some earn commissions directly from mutual funds or other financial products, which presents a significant conflict of interest.

This free matching quiz helps Americans get matched with up to three fiduciary advisors who serve their area so they can compare and decide which advisor to work with.

Excellent for high-rate cash back categories
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on Issuer's secure website

Intro APR
Purchases:
0%, 15 months
Balance Transfers:
0%, 15 months
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)

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

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