EPISODE · Jun 10, 2026 · 9 MIN
Are You Leaving Spousal Social Security Money on the Table?
from Retire With Confidence · host Josh Duncan, CFP®
Most couples assume that once both Social Security checks are in the mail, the decision is final. For many, it isn’t.If one spouse’s benefit is significantly lower than half of the other’s full retirement age benefit, there may still be an opportunity to claim a spousal top-up — and most couples never ask. In this episode, Josh Duncan walks through exactly how spousal Social Security benefits work, what’s still possible after both spouses have filed, and the practical steps to find out if your household is leaving money on the table every month.This episode covers:How the 50% spousal benefit rule actually worksWhat deemed filing rules mean for anyone born in 1954 or laterHow to contact Social Security and what to bring when you doThe survivor benefit connection most couples overlook entirelyIf your spouse’s benefit is meaningfully higher than yours, this episode is worth your time before you assume nothing can be done.👉 Work with us at https://www.f5fp.com.About F5 Financial Planning:At F5 Financial Planning, we help individuals and families align their finances with what matters most so they can live lives of Freedom and Significance. We are a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm, meaning we don’t earn commissions or sell products — our only commitment is to our clients’ best interests. We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning for families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Our team serves clients nationwide through virtual meetings and from offices in Illinois, Georgia and Florida.At F5, our goal is simple: to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future so you can focus on the people and passions that matter most. Visit https://www.f5fp.com to learn more about our services and planning process.*****Advisory services are offered through F5 Financial Planning, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.Viewing these videos does not create an advisory relationship with F5 Financial. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional.
What this episode covers
Most couples assume that once both Social Security checks are in the mail, the decision is final. For many, it isn’t.If one spouse’s benefit is significantly lower than half of the other’s full retirement age benefit, there may still be an opportunity to claim a spousal top-up — and most couples never ask. In this episode, Josh Duncan walks through exactly how spousal Social Security benefits work, what’s still possible after both spouses have filed, and the practical steps to find out if your household is leaving money on the table every month.This episode covers:How the 50% spousal benefit rule actually worksWhat deemed filing rules mean for anyone born in 1954 or laterHow to contact Social Security and what to bring when you doThe survivor benefit connection most couples overlook entirelyIf your spouse’s benefit is meaningfully higher than yours, this episode is worth your time before you assume nothing can be done.👉 Work with us at https://www.f5fp.com.About F5 Financial Planning:At F5 Financial Planning, we help individuals and families align their finances with what matters most so they can live lives of Freedom and Significance. We are a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm, meaning we don’t earn commissions or sell products — our only commitment is to our clients’ best interests. We provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning for families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Our team serves clients nationwide through virtual meetings and from offices in Illinois, Georgia and Florida.At F5, our goal is simple: to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your financial future so you can focus on the people and passions that matter most. Visit https://www.f5fp.com to learn more about our services and planning process.*****Advisory services are offered through F5 Financial Planning, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.Viewing these videos does not create an advisory relationship with F5 Financial. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional.
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Are You Leaving Spousal Social Security Money on the Table?
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