When Should You Collect Social Security if Your Spouse is Much Older?
12/12/23 • 20 min
2 Listeners
James addresses a listener's question regarding Social Security strategies in retirement. Sasha, aged 59, seeks advice on when to start collecting Social Security, considering her husband's benefits and their overall retirement plan.
James emphasizes the importance of considering spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and age gaps in making this decision. He explores the complexities of Social Security analysis, encouraging listeners to run break-even calculations based on the assumed age of the first spouse's death rather than just life expectancy.
James also shares a real-life example where delaying one's own benefit and collecting a survivor’s benefit early can be a strategic move. When choosing a Social Security claiming strategy, evaluate the broader impact on taxes, withdrawal rates, asset allocation, and legacy considerations.
Questions Answered:
How does the age gap between spouses impact the Social Security claiming strategy?
What factors should be considered when deciding on your Social Security claiming strategy?
Timestamps:
0:00 - Sasha’s SS question
2:19 - Analysis of Sasha’s situation
5:51 - The challenge
9:08 - When assumptions don’t pan out
12:29 - General principles
16:08 - Look at the whole picture
Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️
James addresses a listener's question regarding Social Security strategies in retirement. Sasha, aged 59, seeks advice on when to start collecting Social Security, considering her husband's benefits and their overall retirement plan.
James emphasizes the importance of considering spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and age gaps in making this decision. He explores the complexities of Social Security analysis, encouraging listeners to run break-even calculations based on the assumed age of the first spouse's death rather than just life expectancy.
James also shares a real-life example where delaying one's own benefit and collecting a survivor’s benefit early can be a strategic move. When choosing a Social Security claiming strategy, evaluate the broader impact on taxes, withdrawal rates, asset allocation, and legacy considerations.
Questions Answered:
How does the age gap between spouses impact the Social Security claiming strategy?
What factors should be considered when deciding on your Social Security claiming strategy?
Timestamps:
0:00 - Sasha’s SS question
2:19 - Analysis of Sasha’s situation
5:51 - The challenge
9:08 - When assumptions don’t pan out
12:29 - General principles
16:08 - Look at the whole picture
Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️
Previous Episode
Roth IRA Tax-Free Withdrawals: 5-Year Rule Explained
James explores the nuanced aspects of Roth IRAs, shedding light on intricacies that can confound even experienced investors.
Through a listener question from Manfred, a retiree contemplating a $50,000 conversion from a 401k to a Roth account, James dissects the crucial five-year holding period and the order in which contributions, conversions, and earnings are treated during withdrawals.
James also provides clarity on distribution rules, exceptions, and strategic considerations, offering a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of Roth IRAs for optimal retirement planning.
Questions Answered:
How does the timing of subsequent conversions impact the application of the five-year rule?
In Roth IRA withdrawals, what is the specific order of operations, and what implications does that have?
Timestamps:
0:00 Manfred’s question
1:39 Get the cheatsheet
2:37 Understanding source nuances
7:01 The five-year rule
8:37 IRS’s order of operations
11:59 Exceptions to the rule
13:49 Only a small impediment
16:14 Back to Manfred’s example
Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️
Next Episode
Am I Crazy For Paying My Financial Advisor $25k/year?
When you’re doing well financially, paying advisor fees might seem unnecessary. So do you need an advisor if you’re already in a good place?
Having a successful retirement isn’t just about not running out of money; it’s about what more you can do.
Through a real-life client story, I explain how having an advisor’s perspective to implement the right strategy can be more valuable than the cost of their fee.
Advisors can help you avoid biases in the way you invest and plan. They can ensure you have the right withdrawal strategy and don’t overpay on taxes. When handling finances for yourself, you may worry about what you could be missing. A good financial advisor will give you peace of mind, knowing you have all the right information.
It’s important to reframe your thinking: Is the cost of your advisor justified by the value provided?
Questions Answered:
What’s the opportunity cost of not having an advisor?
What value does an advisor provide when you are stable financially?
Timestamps:
0:00 Financial advisor vs DIY
3:37 Does an advisor add value?
8:30 Story of lost opportunity
12:27 Understand the bigger picture
13:41 Being ok vs optimizing
17:44 Risk of wrong withdrawal strategy
21:13 Risk of overpaying taxes
22:20 Continuity costs
23:27 The real goal
27:31 Appropriately compare
Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️
Ready For Retirement - When Should You Collect Social Security if Your Spouse is Much Older?
Transcript
So to ready for retirement , we're going to be discussing social security strategies and how that strategy should potentially change if there's an age gap between you and a spouse .
Speaker 1This is another episode of Ready for Retirement . I'm your host , james Cannell , and I'm here to teach you how to get the most out of life with your money
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