How FIRE Plans Should Model Spousal Benefit Timing

Episode 124 of The FIRE Podcast tackles one of the most overlooked variables in FIRE planning: the strategic delay of Social Security spousal benefits. Lucas and Luna walk through a case study of a couple retiring at 45 with a $1.4 million portfolio, showing how claiming at 62 versus delaying until 70 for the higher-earning spouse can boost lifetime income by $180,000 in today's dollars. They break down the 'file and suspend' loophole (now closed), the current restricted application rules, and why the surviving spouse benefit is the real hidden jackpot. If you're modeling FIRE without optimizing spousal claiming, you're leaving six figures on the table. This episode gives you the framework to fix it. #SocialSecurity #SpousalBenefits #FIRE #EarlyRetirement #FIRePlanning #RetirementIncome #ClaimingStrategy #FileAndSuspend #RestrictedApplication #SurvivorBenefit #SSA #BenefitDelay #CouplesRetirement #Finance #FIREPodcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #RetirementPlanning Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo