There is even a 50% chance, they say, that total retirement benefits for a person who is now young will be 25% higher under the Bush plan than they would be otherwise.

ECONOMIST: Social Security reform

In any case, it doesn't take more than just a few years before the total money accrued with the higher, later benefits surpasses the total earned starting at the earlier retirement age.

WSJ: Five Really Dumb Money Moves You've Got to Avoid

The total benefit your spouse will receive is her retirement benefit, inclusive of any reduction, due to taking benefits early, or increment, due to taking benefits late, plus the excess spousal benefit.

FORBES: 44 Social Security 'Secrets' All Baby Boomers and Millions of Current Recipients Need to Know - Revised!