Ep7 | No, the Social Security Office Won’t Help You Make the Best Filing Decision

Think you should “always wait until 70” to claim Social Security? Or that your benefit is tax-free once you retire?In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski unpacks the most common myths and misunderstandings about Social Security—including how benefits are taxed, when (and if) you should delay, and how spousal and divorced spouse benefits actually work. If you're thinking about filing soon, or already have, this episode could save you thousands—or help you recover from a filing mistake. Here’s what you’ll walk away with:✅ Why filing too early—or too late—could permanently reduce your benefit✅ The rules behind spousal and ex-spousal benefits, and how to avoid losing money✅ How Social Security is taxed, and why the earnings test matters more than you think✅ The one-time do-over rule that lets you reset your decision within 12 months✅ Why the Social Security office may not give you the right adviceHow to calculate social security benefits. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits—and avoid some of the most expensive and irreversible mistakes retirees make. 🎧 Follow the show every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/financially-fluent/id1796392113📩 [email protected] welcome. Real answers given.Explore our free tools and resources atwww.YourNextStepFinancial.com