Ask Larry

Filing Strategies

Can I repay benefits and get a "Do-Over"?

I will pass 74 years old in September, have been collecting SS since age 65 + 3 months with current benefits +/-$2,140/month. Universal praise for your work addresses best approach to determine best time to claim but I am well past that. Does your software enable re-starting SSI (with repayment of benefits received to date) to gain higher payments after use of your software? I am able to make lump-sum repayment of SSI received to date, am most interested if your software will enable improvement of my position going forward. Standing by, looking forward to your response.

Posted: 
Saturday, June 25, 2016 - 07:00

When should I purchase MaximizeMySocialSecurity?

Hello Larry. I am 56 year old male. I am interested to learn more about maximizing my SS benefits and am interested in purchasing your access for my household, however, I am concerned that since I am at least 6 years from SS benefits (at which time I will be 62 y.o.). Is your information relevant to me today, or should I wait until I get closer to 62? Perhaps in 6 years there will be no SS or so different that your information no longer applies ?

Thanks in advance

Posted: 
Saturday, June 25, 2016 - 06:45

How do I maximize my Social Security benefits?

How to maximize on Social Security Benfits ?

Maximizing your Social Security benefits depends on the specifics of your situation, i.e. your marital status, your age, your past and future covered earnings, and if applicable, your spouse's age, and past and future covered earnings, whether you have eligible dependents, etc.
The easiest way to maximize your benefits is to enter your specific data into a high quality program like our "MaximizeMySocialSecurity".

Best,
Mike

Posted: 
Saturday, June 25, 2016 - 06:15

Are We Missing Anything?

My wife and I both took our SS benefits at age 65 -- mine in 2008 and my wife a year later. Are there still any opportunities to get additional benefits at this point in time. No dependent children to support, no divorces, both in good health.

Hi,

Probably not. It's too late at this point for you or your wife to take advantage of delayed retirement credits, as well as filing strategies such as one of you filing for spousal benefits only at full retirement age, then switching to your own record at age 70.

Posted: 
Friday, June 24, 2016 - 17:15

Do We Have Any Options?

I'm age 80 and wife 76. She still works part time as an independent consultant, $5,000 per year. We both began taking SS at age 65. I was a very high earning venture capital partner up to age 70. Suggestions?

Hi,

Unfortunately, you can't go back in time to take advantages of delayed retirement credits, nor strategies such as one of you filing for spousal benefits only at full retirement age, then switching to your own record at age 70.

Posted: 
Friday, June 24, 2016 - 17:00

When Should I File?

My husband is four years younger than me, and has been the much higher wage earner. When I turn 66, do I apply for my own full benefits first, then apply for spousal (which 1/2 of his would be greater than mine) when my husband retires?

Hi,

You certainly can do that, and it may well be the best choice for you. There are many other considerations and options involved, however, so you may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Thursday, June 23, 2016 - 11:00

When Should I Start Taking Benefits?

1)Single 60 year old male.
2) Never married.
3)Parents dead.
4)No dependents in the past nor likely in the future.
5) Estimated monthly social security payment at 66 $1718.
6) Estimated monthly social security payment at 62 $1232.
7) Currently receive a $637 monthly payment for life with no adjustments for inflation.
8) Have not worked a full-time job nor much part time work since age of 48(2004).
9) $500,000 in savings with 80% in tax deferred accounts.
10) Estimated age of death 95.

Posted: 
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 - 18:30

What's The Best Strategy For Us?

I turn 66 on 12 Aug 2016. My wife turned 64 on 7 March 2016. We have no other "complications". I still work full time , she is helping with grandchilden at home. No disabilities etc.

Please, what would be our optimal filing strategy. ? I've read many ,many columns about the 29 April deadline- especially by the advice of Avram Sacks mentioned in a past column-- and we remain confused.

Hi,

Posted: 
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 - 15:00

Can I Get Any More From Social Security?

I am 81 years of a age and have been collecting Social Security from the age go 65. I maxed out my payments to Social Security for most of my working career. Is there a possibility that I can increase my payments now?

Hi,

It's not likely. The benefit amount payable on your own account is based on your best 35 years of inflation adjusted earnings. In theory, you could work and earn enough to replace one or more of your previous best earnings years, which would result in at least some increase in benefits. Probably not a large increase, however.

Posted: 
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 - 13:15
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