Social Security plays a significant role in our retirement system and is a component of almost everyone’s retirement planning. At the same time, Social Security is one of the most complex programs with an endless set of rules that can make even the most savvy retiree's head spin! In this episode which is part one of a two-part series, we discuss how Social Security works and begin laying the groundwork for understanding the specific strategies available to maximize Social Security benefits. This episode will culminate in the following episode where we take the foundational topics a step further and discuss specific strategies available to ensure you maximize your Social Security benefits. Thanks for listening! We hope you enjoy this episode!