The Right Social Security Strategy Can Put $100,000+ More in Your Pocket Over Retirement
When you claim Social Security — and how — is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Sean Matteson is a Registered Social Security Analyst who helps individuals and couples build a claiming strategy that maximizes their lifetime benefits.
Most People Leave a Fortune on the Table — Without Even Knowing It
Social Security isn’t something you just “sign up for when you turn 62.” The age you claim, the order in which spouses claim, and how you coordinate benefits with Medicare can dramatically change your total lifetime income — sometimes by six figures.
The Social Security Administration will not tell you the optimal strategy for your situation. They answer questions, they don’t give advice. That’s where Sean comes in.
As a Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA), Sean is specifically trained and credentialed to analyze your unique situation and build a strategy that maximizes your lifetime benefits — not just your monthly check.
When Should You Claim Social Security? It Depends on Your Situation.
You can claim as early as 62 or as late as 70. Each year you wait after your Full Retirement Age, your benefit grows by 8%. But waiting isn’t always the right answer — it depends on your health, income needs, and whether you’re married.
You can collect now but your benefit is permanently reduced by up to 30%. Best if you have health concerns or immediate income needs and no other retirement income.
You receive 100% of your earned benefit. No reduction, no bonus. A common default — but not always the optimal strategy.
Your benefit grows 8% per year from Full Retirement Age to 70 — a 24% increase. If you’re healthy and have other income, this is often the highest lifetime value strategy.
Social Security Is More Complex Than Most People Realize
Married Couples Strategy
For couples, the claiming decision is a two-person puzzle. The higher earner delaying to 70 while the lower earner claims earlier can increase your combined lifetime income by $100,000 or more. Sean builds a coordinated strategy for both spouses based on your ages, earnings records, and health.
Survivor Benefits
When one spouse passes away, the survivor keeps only the larger of the two checks. That makes the higher earner’s claiming decision critically important — it determines the survivor’s income for the rest of their life. Getting this wrong can cost a surviving spouse tens of thousands of dollars.
Social Security and Medicare Coordination
Your Medicare Part B premium is deducted directly from your Social Security check — and it can increase significantly based on your income. Sean helps you understand how your claiming age, income, and Medicare enrollment interact so there are no surprises at 65.
When to Claim — Individual Strategy
For single individuals, the break-even analysis is more straightforward — but still depends on your health, other retirement income sources, and financial goals. Sean runs the numbers for your specific situation so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Why the Claiming Decision Is Worth Getting Right
Book a Free Strategy Call
Sean will analyze your Social Security statement, run the numbers, and build a personalized claiming strategy for your situation.
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Get ongoing Social Security tips, Q&A, and strategy discussions in Sean’s free Facebook group for pre-retirees and retirees.
Join the GroupSocial Security Questions Sean Hears Every Day
Should I claim Social Security at 62?
It depends entirely on your situation. Claiming at 62 gives you money now but permanently reduces your benefit by up to 30%. If you’re in poor health, have immediate income needs, or have limited other retirement income, early claiming can make sense. If you’re healthy and have other income sources, waiting usually produces more lifetime income. Sean runs the break-even analysis for your specific numbers.
Can I work and collect Social Security at the same time?
Yes — but if you claim before your Full Retirement Age, your benefits may be temporarily reduced if your earnings exceed the annual limit. Once you reach Full Retirement Age, you can earn any amount with no reduction in benefits.
What happens to my spouse’s benefit if I die first?
Your surviving spouse is entitled to receive the larger of their own benefit or your benefit — not both. This is why the higher earner’s claiming decision is so important. Delaying to 70 locks in a larger survivor benefit for your spouse for the rest of their life.
Will Social Security still be there when I retire?
The Social Security trust fund faces projected shortfalls in the coming decades, but Social Security is funded by ongoing payroll taxes — it won’t simply disappear. Most projections suggest benefits may be reduced rather than eliminated. For planning purposes, Sean typically models a conservative scenario alongside a full-benefit scenario.
How does Social Security affect my Medicare premium?
Medicare Part B premiums are deducted directly from your Social Security check. Higher-income individuals pay more through IRMAA surcharges. Sean coordinates your Social Security and Medicare strategy together so there are no unexpected premium surprises at enrollment.
Schedule Your Free Social Security Strategy Call
Pick a time that works for you — no obligation, no pressure.
Ready to find your optimal Social Security strategy? Text SSA to 702-605-6038 or book a free call above.