If you’re married and approaching retirement, deciding when to claim Social Security isn’t just about you. It’s about your entire household. The timing of your benefits can have a major impact on your lifetime income, taxes, and survivor benefits.
In this video, we’ll walk through:
Key factors to consider before claiming Social Security
How spousal and survivor benefits really work (and common misconceptions)
The risks of claiming too early, and how it could cost tens of thousands over time
Popular strategies, like the “split strategy,” where one spouse claims early while the other delays
How Social Security fits into a bigger retirement income plan with pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s, and other savings
Tax considerations, delayed retirement credits, Roth conversions, and more
I also share real-life examples of couples who made very different choices, and how those decisions shaped their retirement outcomes.
Whether you’re considering claiming early, waiting until age 70, or using a coordinated strategy, this video will help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.