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Filing Strategies

What Is Our Best Strategy?

Hi, I turn 67 in early July, 2016. My full retirement age was 66. My wife is six (6) years younger than me. Since she has been 100% disabled for about the last 13 years, she has been collecting SSDI. Prior to becoming disabled, she worked on and off, mostly in secretarial-related positions (i.e., not as a high wage earner), while raising three children. We estimate that during her working career, she had about 10 years of full time employment (with some sporadic part-time employment).

Posted: 
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 - 19:45

Is This My Best Strategy?

I turn 65 in December, and quite healthy.. My wife is 44. I was thinking of delaying taking social security until age 70 to maximize benefits. Is that the best strategy?

Pancho,
Yes, this strategy will give you the maximum liftime Social Security benefits.
Best,
Mike

Posted: 
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 - 12:30

What Is Our Best Strategy?

My husband worked at General Motors and took an early retirement and is now 59 years old. I am 63 years old. I am very confused about Social Security and what we should do. I am still working part-time and he is working as well, Self-employed as a LLC.

Hi,

Posted: 
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 - 10:00

Can I Still File A Restricted Application At Full Retirement Age?

With the recent changes to the file and suspend rules, I wanted to ask about a related topic which I believe is called the "restricted spousal benefit". My wife's birthday is 11/4/52 and my birthday in 3/3/53. My wife's social security benefit is approximately 25% of my benefit. The way I understand the "restricted spousal benefit" my wife plans to start taking her benefit at 66 and at 66 I plan to file for the "restricted spousal benefit. At 70 I plan to file for my "full benefit" and at that time my wife plans to file for her spousal benefit.

Posted: 
Tuesday, July 5, 2016 - 15:45

How Do I Choose Between Benefits?

I have been to my local SS office and have talked to several SS Reps but keep getting conflicting information. I am 62 and a widower. I recently lost my job.Here is my situation: I would like to collect my SS benefits now at age 62 and at age 66 collect my late husbands at full retirement age. My benefit is around $600 a month. His will be around $2000 if I wait to age 66. My benefit will never be as much as his and I want to make sure I get the most that I can. I was told that if I do that , that his benefit will be reduced. Is that true?

Posted: 
Monday, July 4, 2016 - 11:00

If I File for Spouse's Benefits at My FRA, Can I File for My Retirement Benefit at Any Time Before Age 70?

I have spent hours trying to find an answer to this question, please help I need to decide soon!
If I file for spousal benefits at FRA but later find I need more money can I file for my own benefits at any time before age 70 or must I wait until age 70?

Lynn,
Yes, you can file for your retirement benefit at any time before age 70.
Best,
Mike

Posted: 
Sunday, July 3, 2016 - 20:00
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