If you’ve spent any time thinking about Social Security, you’ve probably realized something quickly: the decision of when to claim your benefit might be one of the strangest financial choices you’ll ever make. Why? Because in many ways it comes down to a question no one can answer… How long are you going to live? If you claim benefits early, you’ll receive a smaller check for the rest of your life. If you delay benefits—especially until age 70—you’ll receive a larger check each month. The catch is that determining which option ultimately produces the most lifetime income requires a crystal ball that tells you exactly how long you’ll be around to collect those checks. If anyone has figured that out, please let us know—we’d love to borrow it.
Of course, Social Security planning is about more than just choosing a date on the calendar. There are plenty of other moving pieces that can make the decision more complicated than it first appears. Spousal benefits, survivor claiming strategies, and coordinating benefits between two spouses can create opportunities—but also confusion. On top of that, many people wonder what the future of the Social Security system looks like and whether benefits will change in the years ahead. While no one can predict the future with certainty, understanding the rules and strategies available today can help you make a more informed decision about your retirement income plan.
Because this topic raises so many questions, we’re hosting a Social Security Lunch & Learn at our office on April 7th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. where we’ll walk through many of these strategies in a simple, practical way (and yes—lunch is included). Seating is limited and will be first-come, first-served, so if you’re interested in attending, please reach out to our office for more information or to reserve a spot. If demand exceeds the available seating, we’ll also make the presentation available via simulcast so everyone who wants to participate can still join us.
Social Security is one of the most important income sources for many retirees, and making thoughtful decisions about how and when to claim can have a meaningful impact over time. Our goal is to help you understand your options so that you can make the decision that best fits your overall financial plan—and hopefully have a few laughs along the way as we try to solve the impossible task of predicting the future.
Not endorsed by or affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency.