Social Security Planning

Benefits can begin as early as 62 or as late as 70, and delaying past full retirement age adds roughly 8% per year in delayed credits. We run your actual earnings record against your longevity assumptions and your other income sources rather than applying a default.

For married couples the higher earner's filing age sets the survivor benefit — the income that continues for whichever spouse lives longer. We evaluate the two decisions together, along with spousal benefits and, where applicable, benefits from a former marriage.

Up to 85% of Social Security can be taxable depending on your other income, and the same income drives Medicare IRMAA surcharges two years later. We sequence withdrawals and conversions to keep both in view.

Claiming early often closes the low-bracket years that make Roth conversions worthwhile. We weigh the value of delaying benefits against the tax savings those years make possible.

If you claim before full retirement age while earning, benefits are temporarily withheld under the earnings test. We factor in part-time work, consulting income, and business sale timing before you file.