TV show on maximizing Social Security

If you are collecting Social Security or getting close to applying for benefits, you might want to set aside a half-hour for a TV show. The topic of the next "Consuelo Mack WealthTrack," the weekly financial news and information program on PBS, is "Maximizing Social Security Benefits."

Mack will talk with financial writer Mary Beth Franklin, who specializes in finding lesser-known Social Security strategies. Among the subjects discussed are ways a divorced person can claim benefits based on his or her ex-spouse's earnings, and the best age to take Social Security. (Franklin recommends waiting until age 70, if possible.) Mack and Franklin also will touch on ways to collect spousal benefits.

"Consuelo Mack WealthTrack" airs Friday at 7:30 p.m. on WLIW/21 and next Saturday at 8 a.m. on WNET/13.