The Smart Social Security Strategy Nobody Knows About
Millions of Americans rely on Social Security to help them make ends meet in retirement. That makes it more important than ever to get as much in Social Security benefits as you can. But given how complex Social Security is, that task can be a big challenge. You really have to know the ins and outs of several Social Security strategies to maximize your benefits.
In the following video, Dan Caplinger, the Motley Fool's director of investment planning, looks at a little-known Social Security strategy called the restricted application strategy. Dan gives a simple explanation of the strategy, noting that under the method, one spouse files for Social Security benefits but restricts them to spousal benefits based on the other spouse's work history only. The first spouse doesn't claim benefits based on his or her own work history, instead deferring them and letting them grow until reaching age 70, at which point they max out. By doing this, the first spouse is able to get what amounts to extra benefits while still getting increased payments later on.
In discussing the benefits of the restricted application strategy, Dan points out that the strategy works best when there isn't too large a disparity between the two spouses' earnings histories. When one spouse has little or no income record, the file-and-suspend strategy often works better. Dan concludes with some discussion of the importance of making the most of both spouses' work records to maximize total benefits.
Learn more about how to get more from Social Security
It can be challenging to get information about strategies like restricted application and file-and-suspend, but having that knowledge is important in helping you maximize your Social Security benefits. To learn more money-making retirement-benefit strategies, turn to The Motley Fool's brand-new free report, "Make Social Security Work Harder For You." Inside, our retirement experts share their insight on other methods you can use to increase your monthly Social Security checks and retire more comfortably while ensuring your family's long-term financial security. Click here to get your copy today.
The article The Smart Social Security Strategy Nobody Knows About originally appeared on Fool.com.
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