A quick look at your last Social Security Statement will show the participant that they have paid in between $100,000-$150,000 to the Social Security Retirement System, including Retirement, Disability and Medicare Benefits. This session will emphasize the planning stages of Social Security as middle age individuals look at retirement in the next 10-12 years. Specific topics include how Social Security Benefits are calculated, how earnings in the next 10-12 years accrue benefits, whether to retire at an early retirement age vs. full retirement age, how spousal benefits work, and many other topics. This session is simply a must attend for the CRS participant wanting to know how much Social Security Benefit they can plan on receiving to augment their other retirement income. PARTICIPANTS ARE URGED TO BRING THEIR LAST SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENT TO THE CONFERENCE.