Workers who have paid into the Social Security system can now view their personalized earnings and benefits information with the launch of a new portal by the U.S. Social Security Administration. The new online Social Security Statement replaces the annual paper statement that was suspended for those between the ages of 25 and 60. Individuals 18 and older can register and create an account and once verified can access their statement and view benefits. In February Social Security resumed mailing paper Statements to workers age 60 and older if they are not already receiving Social Security benefits.

[Photo courtesy of AP Images]

The daily you: how the new advertising industry is defining your identity and your worth by Joseph Turow

Deadly valentines: the story of Capone's henchman "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn and Louise Rolfe, his blonde alibi by Jeffrey Gusfield

God's jury: the Inquisition and the making of the modern world by Cullen Murphy

Somethin' else: the story of Blue Note Records and the birth of modern jazz by Ashley Kahn

Too big to know: rethinking knowledge now that the facts aren't the facts, experts are everywhere, and the smartest person in the room is the room by David Weinberger

No matter where you are in your life span, you need a life plan. The American Psychological Association Committee on Aging put together a useful brochure to assist in developing an effective plan to secure a healthy, happy, and financially sound old age. Their brochure, Life Plan For The Life Span, begins by checking your attitude and understanding about your aging process by asking important questions.

Craving guidance to grow your startup? Check out TechTown's upcoming educational workshops designed for entrepreneurs who are hungry to learn:

• 2/28 Intro to Market Research
• 3/14 & 3/21 Invention Development
• 3/20 Sales Essentials
• 3/27 Lunch & Learn with Lawyers
• 4/14-6/16 Operation JumpStart: First Step (Fee based)

Join Phyllis Wood and her team from Canton's H&R Block to learn the latest tax law changes in Michigan. Don't miss an opportunity to receive the best refund possible on Thursday, March 1st at 7:00 PM.

1493: uncovering the new world Columbus created by Charles C. Mann

Almost president: the men who lost the race but changed the nation by Scott Farris

Hedy's folly: the life and breakthrough inventions of Hedy Lamarr, the most beautiful woman in the world by Richard Rhodes

The swerve: how the world became modern by Stephen Greenblatt

Why America failed: the roots of imperial decline by Morris Berman

You are invited to TechTown's Open House on Tuesday, February 7 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Register at the TechTown site or call 313-879-5250.

If you have an idea for a new product or business or need help developing your idea, tour TechTown's facilities, learn how they can help you, or chat with TechTown's entrepenuer of the month at their this monthly open house.

Then Again by Diane Keaton

1861: the Civil War Awakening by Adam Goodheart

Confidence Men: Wall Street, Washington, and the Education of a President by Ron Suskind

Fortunate Sons: the 120 Chinese Boys who came to America, Went to School, and Revolutionized an Ancient Civilization by Liel Leibovitz & Matthew Miller

The Hollywood Sign: Fantasy and Reality of an American Icon by Leo Braudy

The Society of Financial Awareness (SOFA) sends expert John Badalamenti to help you pay off debt with specific strategies. Badalamenti will also provide steps for using your tax refund to improve your financial future. Let's all get our house in order on January 19 at 7:00 PM.

Fringe-ology: how I tried to explain away the unexplainable—and couldn't by Steve Volk

But will the planet notice?: how smart economics can save the world by Gernot Wagner

The unexpected patriot: how an ordinary American mother is bringing terrorists to justice by Shannen Rossmiller; with Sue Carswell

Lost in Shangri-la: a true story of survival, adventure, and the most incredible rescue mission of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff

Precious objects: a story of diamonds, family, and a way of life by Alicia Oltuski