When Should You Collect Social Security if Your Spouse is Much Older?

Ready For Retirement

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

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Chapters

1. Maximizing Social Security Benefits With Gap (00:00:00)

2. Maximizing Social Security Benefits and Considerations (00:12:40)