Episode 199 Social Security: Timing, Taxes & The Truth

Social Security is one of the biggest financial decisions in retirement — yet it's often misunderstood. In this episode, we break down what the latest projections really mean, how claiming timing impacts your lifetime income, and how benefits are calculated, taxed, and adjusted over time. Episode Highlights: - Will it be there? What the 2033–2034 projections mean and how payroll taxes fund the system. - When should I claim? The tradeoffs between 62, full retirement age, and 70 — and why timing matters. - How is it calculated? Your highest 35 earning years, the earnings test, taxes, and COLA adjustments.