Claim Smart: Social Security Mistakes You Can't Take Back

This week episode of ClearPath Retirement Radio covers Social Security claiming strategies for retirees and pre-retirees in Greenville and Upstate South Carolina.Retirement advisor Stewart Smith, LUTCF®, RICP®, and Mitch Davies break down the most common Social Security mistakes, including when to claim, spousal benefits, survivor income, and how Social Security taxes work in retirement.Social Security is not a simple age decision. It is a long-term income strategy, and once you make it, you generally can't undo it. Stewart and Mitch walk through why the break-even calculator most people find online is only the starting point and what the real moving parts are that could cost you or your spouse hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.In This Episode: → Why claiming at 62 may permanently reduce your benefit by 25 to 30% → The spousal benefit most married couples don't know they're missing → How your decision as the higher earner determines your spouse's survivor benefit → Why the Social Security office won't give you strategy advice → The one-year do-over — and exactly how it works → Why waiting until 70 could mean an 8% annual increase — and when waiting may not make sense → How working in semi-retirement may affect your benefit more than you'd expect → Why Social Security needs to be treated as an asset, not just a check you turn on → Mitch's Market Minute — staying calm in headline-driven marketsBefore you claim, grab the free Social Security Optimization Checklist at clearpathretirement.com. The Social Security guide walks you through the questions most people never think to ask — timing, taxes, spousal coordination, and more — so you can see exactly where your strategy stands before you make a permanent decision.Ready to stress-test your retirement plan?ClearPath Retirement Planning helps retirees and pre-retirees in the Upstate SC and Columbia areas create tax-efficient retirement income strategies. 📍 300 Executive Center Drive, Suite 104 | Greenville, SC 29615 📞 (864) 775-5033Schedule your complimentary consultation today at www.clearpathretirement.com Subscribe & Connect: YouTube: @ClearPathRetirementPlanning Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearPathRetirement LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearpathretirementImportant Disclosure:Investment advisory services offered through Alphastar Capital Management, LLC, a SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Fixed insurance products are offered through Clearpath Retirement Planning, LLC and Alphastar Capital Management is not involved in the offer, recommendation, sale or management of commission-based fixed Insurance products. Alphastar Capital Management and Clearpath Retirement Plannin...