Top 10 Money Stories of 2008

1. Inflation May Push Social Security Adjustment to 25-Year High
August 13: Nearly 49 million older Americans can expect one of the largest cost-of-living adjustments to Social Security retirement benefits in a quarter century.

2. Still Waiting for Stimulus Cash? Money Could Be Delayed
May 19: Some taxpayers are now discovering that the stimulus program has some quirks that weren't exactly evident when they read the initial IRS timetables.

3. Social Security Hike Largest in 26 Years
October 16: More than 34.9 million older Americans will get a 5.8 percent increase in their Social Security benefits next year—the largest hike in 26 years.

4. Social Security: It’s Better If You Wait
Traditionally, about half of Americans take their benefits as soon as they’re eligible, at age 62. But many people can collect more money by waiting.

5. Squeezed at the Pump: Eight Ways to Beat Rising Fuel Prices
July 9: The average price of a gallon of gasoline nationally is now more than a dollar higher than it was a year ago. But there are things you can do to ease the pain at the pump.

6. Cash Flow Control
August 6: Here are 10 powerful techniques for improving your money management and your financial health right now.

7. Over 50 and Looking for a Job? The Web Can Get You Started
July 16: If it’s been a while since you looked for a job, you may want to add a new tool to your search: websites that focus on jobs, careers and information for older workers.

8. Paying Back Social Security: Does It Make Sense?
June 11: Repaying the government for the Social Security benefits you’ve already received may actually boost your monthly income.

9. New Estimator Can Help Determine When to Take Social Security
July 30: A recently launched online estimator from the SSA enables workers to instantly view their expected levels of Social Security payments for all possible retirement ages.

10. Don’t Miss Out on Stimulus Payment
June 1: AARP and the IRS are asking friends and family to reach out to those who may not be aware of the payment or who may need assistance in filling out the form.

Photos/Illustrations (from top):  1. Joyce Hesselberth c/o theispot.com; 2. Karen Roach/Dreamstime; 3. Albert Lozano/Dreamstime; 4. Anthony Marsland; 5. Dreamstime; 6. Masterfile/John Lund/Getty Images; 7. Corbis; 8. Michael Llewellyn/Getty Images; 9. Stew Milne/AP Photo; 10: Dreamstime