Retirement income
Social Security Planning
When you file is the biggest retirement decision most people never analyze. Let’s analyze it.
Social Security basics
A benefit you can’t outlive—if you claim it wisely
You cannot outlive Social Security, it adjusts for inflation, and it arrives without any investment decisions on your part. The catch: the decisions you make before you file are permanent, and the wrong one can cost a couple well into six figures over a lifetime.
Jeffrey and Joey are certified Social Security educators through the Council of Financial Educators. We walk you through your claiming options, survivor and spousal rules, the earnings test and taxation—then coordinate the filing date with the rest of your income plan.
Jeffrey and Joey are certified Social Security educators through the Council of Financial Educators. We walk you through your claiming options, survivor and spousal rules, the earnings test and taxation—then coordinate the filing date with the rest of your income plan.
What we cover in a Social Security review
- Your Full Retirement Age and what early or delayed filing really costs
- Spousal, survivor and ex-spouse benefits
- How working in retirement affects your check
- How benefits are taxed—and how to reduce it
- Coordinating Social Security with pensions, annuities and savings
Ready to talk it through?
A free, no-obligation conversation with a licensed Florida professional. No pressure, no jargon.
Or call (954) 790-5000
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is my Full Retirement Age?
For anyone born in 1960 or later, Full Retirement Age (FRA) is 67. Those born 1955–1959 have an FRA between 66 and 2 months and 66 and 10 months.
How much does filing early or late change my benefit?
Filing at 62 permanently reduces your benefit by up to 30%. Waiting past FRA earns delayed-retirement credits of 8% per year until age 70—a difference of roughly 76% between the lowest and highest monthly amounts.
Can I work and collect at the same time?
Yes, but before FRA an earnings test temporarily withholds $1 of benefits for every $2 earned above an annual limit. After FRA there is no earnings limit.
Are Social Security benefits taxed?
Up to 85% of your benefit can be taxable depending on your “combined income.” Coordinating withdrawals from other accounts can reduce the tax.
Can I claim on an ex-spouse’s record?
If the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you are currently unmarried, you may be eligible for benefits based on an ex-spouse’s record without affecting their benefit.
Is Sunshine Financial Partners affiliated with the SSA?
No. We are an independent firm and our Social Security education is provided through the Council of Financial Educators (COFE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Final benefit determinations are made only by the Social Security Administration.
Keep exploring
Related topics
Personal Pension Plan
Fill the income gap Social Security leaves behind.
Fixed & Indexed Annuities
Guaranteed income to pair with your benefit.
Not sure where to start? Ask us a financial question.
Every situation is different and there is no one-size-fits-all retirement plan. Ask anything—you’ll get a straight answer from a licensed professional, not a sales pitch.