Retirement Benefits – The Simply Retirement Podcast

10 Retirement Websites Every Woman Should Bookmark (Ep. 128)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | October 28, 2026

Social Security, Medicare, old retirement accounts, long-term care, and even your credit report can all raise questions as retirement gets closer. Knowing where to find reliable information can make those decisions feel much more manageable.

In this episode, I share 10 websites I believe every woman should bookmark for retirement planning. I explain where to review Social Security records, understand Medicare, search for forgotten retirement accounts and unclaimed property, research long-term care and caregiving resources, check a financial professional’s background, and review your credit reports. My goal is to help you gather useful information, spot anything that may need attention, and ask better questions before making important retirement decisions.

Key points:

How to review your Social Security earnings record, benefit estimates, and other important account information
Where to learn about Medicare coverage, enrollment, costs, and free local health insurance counseling resources
How to search for forgotten 401(k)s, pensions, bank accounts, checks, insurance proceeds, and other property
Where to find caregiving and long-term care resources and understand services that may be available locally
How to check financial professionals and credit reports for disclosures, errors, unfamiliar accounts, or concerns
And more!

Resources:

Websites:

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Q&A: Understanding Differences between Social Security Spousal vs. Survivor Benefits (Ep. 89)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | January 28, 2026

Social Security decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand spousal and survivor benefits.

What benefits are you entitled to based on your spouse’s record? When should you claim them?

In this Q&A episode, I address two common Social Security questions that women face. I walk through the step-by-step process for determining spousal benefits for married couples and explore the strategic decisions widows face when choosing between their own retirement benefit and survivor benefits. I also share practical guidance for a recent widow navigating cash flow challenges, work decisions, and benefit timing in the early months after loss.

Key points:

The six-step process to determine spousal benefit eligibility and calculate the maximum benefit amount
How survivor benefits differ from spousal benefits and why this distinction matters for your strategy
Why starting one benefit early while delaying another can maximize lifetime Social Security income
Cash flow considerations when facing the decision to return to work while receiving benefits
The importance of sequencing decisions rather than rushing to solve everything at once
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

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