Social Security Made Simple
Social Security is anything but simple — but understanding how to make the right decisions doesn’t have to be. When it all boils down, knowing when to take Social Security, how to take it, and how it fits into the rest of your financial plan can make all the difference.
In this week’s Better Money Boston with WCVB Channel 5, David Shapiro breaks down Social Security in clear, straightforward terms to help you make the most informed choices.
Timing is Everything
One of the most consequential retirement decisions you’ll make is when to start taking Social Security. You have several options: you can begin as early as age 62, wait until your full retirement age (between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year), delay until age 70, or choose any age in between.
The timing you select will directly impact your monthly benefit — with age 62 resulting in the lowest payout and age 70 offering the highest. This decision is permanent for the most part, underscoring the importance of sitting down with a financial professional to create a personalized plan.
Marital Status Adds Another Layer
Your marital status also plays a key role in determining the size of your Social Security benefit. If you’re married, you can choose to collect either your own benefit or up to half of your spouse’s; whichever is higher. If you’ve lost a spouse, you may be eligible for survivor benefits based on their record. And if you were married for at least 10 years and haven’t gotten remarried, you may be able to claim a portion of your ex-spouse’s benefit.
It’s Just One Piece of the Puzzle
Social Security was never intended to be a primary source of retirement income. It is, however, an important component of a well-rounded retirement income strategy. If you have other savings, a pension, or investments, you have greater flexibility in deciding when to claim Social Security. Ultimately, ensuring all your income sources work together as efficiently as possible is key.
Even with a basic understanding, Social Security can be complex. Given these intricacies, consulting a financial professional can help ensure you maximize the benefits available to you.
Information presented in our podcasts is considered current as of the created date. Over time, some information presented may become stale. We recommend you consult with your Financial Professional before making any changes based on information contained here.
Johnson Brunetti is a marketing name for the businesses of JB Capital and JN Financial.
Investment Advisory Services offered through JB Capital, LLC. Insurance Products offered through JN Financial, LLC.
The guarantees provided by any type of insurance contract are based on the claims-paying ability of the insurance company.
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