How to Strategize For Your Social Security Benefits

Matthew Allgood |

1-Minute Video:

 

As life expectancy has grown, your retirement now can last between 20 and 30 years. So Social Security planning is critical, no matter how much money you have. It can make a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

For example, if you retire at age 62 and pass away at age 86, you’ll receive at least 25% less for 24 years. But, if you wait to retire at age 70, you’ll receive 32% more for 16 years. If your retirement income at age 66 was $2,000 per month, this could be a difference of over $200,000 during your lifetime.

Arriving at a decision on when to retire is not easy. If you retire early, it could affect your spouse’s benefits. And wages and other taxable income could cause up to 85% of your Social Security benefits to be exposed to income taxes. Proper planning takes all of these factors into account to determine a Social Security strategy. For instance, a repositioning of assets could reduce taxable income and provide for more reliable monthly income.

With over 500 different combinations of factors affecting benefits, it makes sense to talk to a financial advisor and get it right.

 

Matthew Allgood
(331) 229-3224
Allgood Financial 
Naperville, IL
Registered Investment Advisor, Life Insurance in Illinois