#9: How to Maximize Social Security if You're Married

If you and your spouse are approaching retirement, there is a good chance you are thinking about Social Security as two separate decisions. Most couples do. But that approach can quietly cost the surviving spouse for years, and most people never realize it until it is too late to fix.In this episode, Jaime Cowper covers the survivor benefit and why it should be the centerpiece of any couple's Social Security strategy. She walks through a real client example where one spouse nearly filed too early, explains why retirement and Social Security are not the same decision, and shares a simple framework for thinking about when each spouse should consider filing. If you are a couple trying to figure out Social Security timing, this episode was made for you.(00:00) Introduction(00:37) What Is the Survivor Benefit?(01:50) How to Maximize the Higher Benefit(02:48) Real Client Story: Filing at 62(04:16) Retirement and Social Security Are Not the Same(04:54) Why This Decision Matters So MuchLeave a comment: are you and your spouse on the same page about when to file for Social Security, or is it something you have been putting off discussing?To schedule a time to discuss your financial future visit https://www.unityfinancialadvisors.net/contact-us or call (248) 885-8176 today!Connect with Jaime on Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimecowperInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaime.cowperFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/unityfinancialInvestment advisory and financial planning services offered through Advisory Alpha, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services offered through Unity Financial Advisors. Unity Financial Advisors is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Advisory Alpha. While tax and legal issues may be discussed in the general course of financial and investment planning, Advisory Alpha does not provide tax or legal services. Jaime Cowper is an investment advisor representative of Advisory Alpha, LLC, a SEC registered investment advisor. All opinions expressed by Jaime Cowper are solely her own opinions and do not reflect the opinions of Advisory Alpha, LLC, and as such, any and all statements of purported or observed general practices of non-affiliated firms and advisors; conditions of the broad financial services industry; or performance or returns with regards to products, securities, markets, or otherwise, whether or not advisor indicates they may be relying on third-party data or sources, are solely the opinions and/or interpretations of the advisor and are not intended to be offered as factual. The validity of these statements has not been verified, and as such, no representations of their validity are made. This recording is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions. This material is not endorsed or approved by the Social Security Office or any other Government Agency. An Annuity is a long-term financial product designed largely for asset accumulation and retirement needs. All guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.