Hi Jan,
For most retirees, Social Security is one of the few sources of guaranteed income that adjusts for inflation and lasts as long as you do. So it’s no surprise that deciding when to claim it is one of the most important choices you’ll make. This week’s article dives into the tradeoffs behind that decision, from the impact on your monthly benefit and survivor benefits to the flexibility it can give you for tax planning. Whether you're weighing the pros and cons or just starting to think about your options, this article will help you understand how timing your benefits can shape the rest of your retirement plan.
We’re also highlighting another article to help you better understand the broader picture of retirement income planning and the risks that come with getting the order (or the timing) wrong.
| | | | Getting the Timing Right for Social Security Claiming You’ve worked and paid into Social Security for decades. Deciding when to claim those benefits is one of the few choices that can truly move the needle on your retirement income. For most retirees, it is the only income source that is guaranteed for life and adjusted for inflation, making it the foundation of a strong retirement plan. The timing of your claim determines how strong that foundation really is.
By Retirement Researcher | | | | Making the Most of Your Social Security Benefits Social Security is one of the most reliable components of a retirement income plan. It’s guaranteed for life, adjusts with inflation, and provides a steady income stream no matter what’s happening in the markets. As a result, Social Security benefits help manage longevity risk, inflation risk, and market risk. But while the benefit itself is dependable, the way you choose to claim it can have a lasting impact on the total amount you receive over time.
By McLean Asset Management
| | | | How Your Retirement Style Shapes Your Social Security Strategy
In this episode, Wade and Alex revisit one of the most important retirement decisions: when to claim Social Security. They walk through the case for delaying and the situations where it might make sense to claim early, all through the lens of your retirement income style. They also discuss the often-overlooked impact of survivor benefits and the valuable tax planning window that can open up when you wait. It’s a thoughtful, practical take on an emotionally charged topic, grounded in both the research and the real-life tradeoffs that retirees face.
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