What if you’re leaving thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits on the table every year, money you earned and may still be able to claim? In this episode of Make It Personal, we reveal Social Security secrets and claiming strategies most people never hear about, including hidden spousal benefits, divorced spouse benefits, survivor benefits, and timing moves that can dramatically increase your monthly check. The truth is: the “best age” to claim Social Security retirement benefits isn’t the same for everyone. Your full retirement age, health, longevity, taxes, and other income sources, like a 401(k), IRA, pension, or part-time work, can completely change the smartest claiming plan. We also unpack why the Social Security breakeven point can be misleading, how COLA adjustments affect long-term retirement income, and how taxation of Social Security benefits works through provisional income. If you’re approaching retirement, already retired, divorced, widowed, raising a child, or coordinating benefits with a spouse, this is a must-listen guide to maximizing Social Security and building a smarter retirement income plan. You’ll learn: → How to choose the best Social Security claiming age based on your full retirement age, health, and cash-flow needs, not generic advice. → Often-missed spousal and survivor strategies, including divorced spouse benefits if you were married 10+ years and how survivor timing can change monthly income. → Lesser-known provisions like child-in-care benefits, parent benefits in special cases, and how disability-to-retirement conversion can protect benefit amounts. → Practical planning tips for coordinating Social Security with retirement accounts, reducing Social Security tax exposure, and staying prepared for COLA trends and potential legislative changes. Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links: → Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2 → Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/ → Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB → Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal -- Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. This podcast is for educational purposes only and may include references to concepts that have legal and/or tax implications. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with the appropriate professional regarding your personal situation prior to making any financial decisions. Strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Mutual of Omaha Advisors is a division of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company.
