How to Maximize Social Security Spousal Benefits

Ready For Retirement

James addresses a common concern for a couple approaching retirement through a listener’s question. Listener Rob plans to collect Social Security early at 62, raising questions about his wife’s retirement.
Understanding Social Security strategies to avoid potential losses during retirement is important.
James explains the intricacies of spousal benefits, detailing how they are calculated based on the primary earner's full retirement age benefit.
Key Takeaways:
-Wait until full retirement age to maximize spousal benefits
-Primary earner must start to start collecting for the spouse to be eligible
-Nuanced calculations involving the spouse's own retirement benefit
Questions Answered:
When should a spouse collect Social Security spousal benefits?
How are spousal benefits calculated?
Timestamps:
0:00 - A listener’s question
3:00 - Two SS options
5:17 - Spousal benefit amounts
7:24 - When spouses can collect
8:55 - Spousal + primary benefits
11:59 - Implications of collecting early
14:16 - The good news
16:00 - The key takeaways

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Chapters

1. Maximizing Social Security Spousal Benefits (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Spousal Benefits and Retirement Age (00:09:35)