Excel in Retirement

90% of People Benefit From Waiting to Claim Social Security Ep. 112

February 22, 2023 David C. Treece Episode 112
90% of People Benefit From Waiting to Claim Social Security Ep. 112
Excel in Retirement
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Excel in Retirement
90% of People Benefit From Waiting to Claim Social Security Ep. 112
Feb 22, 2023 Episode 112
David C. Treece

When we age into the time we can claim Social Security the temptation is strong to get the money as soon as we can. In fact, most people claim as soon as they can at 62. I get it. I love having extra money in my pocket, but it’s important to understand that we may be giving up quite a bit of money.

The Wall Street Journal had an article last Sunday about this topic. It said, “A recent study, funded by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, finds that retirees often give up tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars by taking Social Security benefits too early.” The article states that researchers found that 90% of people would benefit from waiting to claim until 70, and this would increase discretionary income spending by 10% or $182,370. Did you ever think that claiming early could be that costly?

If you’ve already claimed, you’re not alone. Only 10% of people will wait until age 70. I’ve found that most people get little to no help with making Social Security decisions. The rules surrounding how to claim are daunting too. It’s been estimated that there are 81 age combinations and 567 sets of calculations to determine how and when to claim your Social Security. It’s not exactly easy to figure out. In our office we use software to analyze the best claiming strategies. The computer program will show you how you can get the most out of your benefits over your lifetime. 

Unfortunately, you won’t get this help at the Social Security office. Sadly, the government is not equipped to give you advice on how to claim a benefit that you’ve paid into since you began working. Also, what I find is that most people who come into our office to talk about their Social Security have a financial advisor, and yet that advisor has never given them an objective plan for how to claim their benefits. You have to scratch your head and wonder why. After all, the difference in how we can claim Social Security can be the difference of over a hundred thousand dollars. Making the wrong decision may cost you. 

If you’d like to get a Social Security report that illustrates how to get the most out of Social Security, please let us know. We can schedule a 15-minute call to get a few details to run the report. We’d be happy to provide this complimentary resource. You can reach us at 864.641.7955.

Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Clients Excel, LLC are not affiliated companies. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety, or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the insuring carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet particular needs of an individual’s situation. Clients Excel is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Clients Excel. The use of logos and/or trademarks of podcast hosting sites are the property of their respective owners and are not an endorsement by those owners of our firm or our program.

Show Notes

When we age into the time we can claim Social Security the temptation is strong to get the money as soon as we can. In fact, most people claim as soon as they can at 62. I get it. I love having extra money in my pocket, but it’s important to understand that we may be giving up quite a bit of money.

The Wall Street Journal had an article last Sunday about this topic. It said, “A recent study, funded by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, finds that retirees often give up tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars by taking Social Security benefits too early.” The article states that researchers found that 90% of people would benefit from waiting to claim until 70, and this would increase discretionary income spending by 10% or $182,370. Did you ever think that claiming early could be that costly?

If you’ve already claimed, you’re not alone. Only 10% of people will wait until age 70. I’ve found that most people get little to no help with making Social Security decisions. The rules surrounding how to claim are daunting too. It’s been estimated that there are 81 age combinations and 567 sets of calculations to determine how and when to claim your Social Security. It’s not exactly easy to figure out. In our office we use software to analyze the best claiming strategies. The computer program will show you how you can get the most out of your benefits over your lifetime. 

Unfortunately, you won’t get this help at the Social Security office. Sadly, the government is not equipped to give you advice on how to claim a benefit that you’ve paid into since you began working. Also, what I find is that most people who come into our office to talk about their Social Security have a financial advisor, and yet that advisor has never given them an objective plan for how to claim their benefits. You have to scratch your head and wonder why. After all, the difference in how we can claim Social Security can be the difference of over a hundred thousand dollars. Making the wrong decision may cost you. 

If you’d like to get a Social Security report that illustrates how to get the most out of Social Security, please let us know. We can schedule a 15-minute call to get a few details to run the report. We’d be happy to provide this complimentary resource. You can reach us at 864.641.7955.

Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Clients Excel, LLC are not affiliated companies. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety, or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the insuring carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet particular needs of an individual’s situation. Clients Excel is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Clients Excel. The use of logos and/or trademarks of podcast hosting sites are the property of their respective owners and are not an endorsement by those owners of our firm or our program.