This is MUST WATCH presentation for everyone yet to claim Social Security and/or survivor benefits, and otherwise learn how to maximize your benefits. MaryBeth Franklin, author of Maximizing Social Security Retirement Benefits ( shares her expertise in this interview with Paul Merriman and answers a number of viewer questions. This presentation is part of Financial Literacy Month, sponsored by the Bainbridge Community Foundation ( and The Merriman Financial Education Foundation (
You’ll learn:
• How claiming age affects the amount of Social Security benefits received by retirees and their surviving spouses;
• How earnings from a job can reduce benefits if claimed before full retirement age
• Strategies to reverse early claiming decisions and create larger future benefits.
Links mentioned in the presentation:
Mary Beth interview with retirement researcher Wade Pfau, titled, “Retirement income strategies for 2022 and beyond”:
Mary Beth interview with Joe Elsasser, founder of Covisum, discussing Social Security’s solvency, possible reforms, taxes and benefit strategies. Covisum has a free calculator to help people make better decisions on when to start taking Social Security.
Here is a link to her book, Maximizing Social Security Retirement Benefits:www.maximizingsocialsecuritybenefits.com (
Which covers:
– The ABC’s of claiming Social Security
– How Social Security benefits are taxed
– What survivors need to know to maximize their benefits
– What claiming strategies are disappearing for most new retirees
– How recent changes to Social Security claiming rules affect married couples and divorced spouses
– Plus, much more including new rules & strategies to help maximize benefits…(read more)
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Mary Beth have child 14 yrs old in full ssa year can retire dec /23 full retirement age 66/6month should retire now
Hi Paul, Where can we find the interview with Marybeth and Wade?. I tried looking at her list of podcasts but do not see that particular interview posted. Maybe I’m missing it. Can you please share the link here?
I think you guys are trying hard for us little people. Thanks
Something else that's super important & not completely accurate : Life Expectancy numbers. Every single shlub in terrible shape is in those stats. Americans are in terrible physical shape. More than half the country gets free health care. This is a terrible disincentive to maintain great health. If you're 60 & in great health – you can expect a very long life. All the shlubs dropping dead in their 40s 50s are dragging down the average. There are millions of people living good lives well into their 90s. I am going to be one of them. As is my wife.
Never factored in for folks waiting til 70 to file, those 8 years from 62 to 70 are typically high earning years. It's quite a launching pad to retirement. Makes a huge difference. For me it's easy math since I am very healthy and love my work. I will wait to 70. This scenario also will ensure my wife can receive my much larger Soc Sec Pmt for the rest of her life even if I pass on my 70th birthday. I rather she sleeps a little more soundly in her later years. She deserves it.
When will you decide to retire? Just wondering
Good presentation. I learnt today that COLA adjustments will happen from age 62 even one is not claiming the social security at 62.
B.s. Not new. Basic info.
I have a question about spousal benefits. I am 68 this year and have not claimed yet. My wife turned 66 last November and began collecting SS on her small benefits this February. Without me collecting on my benefits now, can I collect spousal benefits now on my wife’s small benefits now without any penalty? Thanks in advance for your reply.