Social Security Guidance
When to start Social Security is a real decision. Let’s do the math.
You’ll hear “wait as long as you can.” Sometimes that’s right. Often it isn’t. We’ll work through your numbers — and your life — together.
What this is
Our point of view, and why.
Most advice says delay to 67 or 70 for the bigger check. We think that skips a question: what could the early checks do if you took them at 62 and didn’t need them yet?
As an illustration: about $840 a month from 62 to 67, set aside and earning 5%, is roughly $58,000 by 67. Compare that to the larger check from waiting, and the two paths don’t cross until around age 80. Meanwhile, those are your healthiest retirement years. That’s the tradeoff worth talking about, and it’s different for everyone.
This is for you if
- You’re 60 to 66 and haven’t filed yet
- You’re still working and unsure how earnings affect your benefit
- You’re married and want to plan both benefits together
- You want the break-even math for your numbers, not a rule of thumb
What we’ll walk through
Your actual numbers
Your statement, your full retirement age, and what each starting age pays.
The break-even
Where early-plus-invested and delayed-and-bigger cross for you — and how health, taxes and a spouse move it.
The decision
One page, your options, the one you lean toward and why. No pressure to file today.
Guide
Social Security: the timing decision, worked out
Ron’s golf playbook on Social Security — the math, with a little fun on the way.
Questions people ask us
Can I work and draw Social Security?
Yes, with limits before full retirement age. Earn above the annual limit and part of your benefit is withheld — then credited back later. We’ll show you the current limit.
Is Social Security taxed?
Up to 85% of it can be, depending on your other income. Where your other income comes from is a planning decision, and it’s one we can affect.
What about my spouse?
Spousal and survivor benefits change the math a lot. The higher earner’s timing matters most for the survivor. We plan both together.
Related
Retirement Planning
The six questions.
Retirement Income & Annuities
Filling the gap between checks.
Medicare Education
The other 65 decision.
Someone in your corner.
A conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Bring your statements, your questions, or just a hunch that something could be working better.
Or call 270.438.2611 — a person answers.
Social Security decisions depend on your health, income needs, taxes, and family situation. The examples here show one way of thinking about the timing decision — they are not a recommendation to claim at any particular age. Benefit amounts are examples only.
This page is educational. It uses simplified examples and is not a recommendation for your specific situation. Numbers used in examples across the site are illustrations, not projections of what you’ll experience.
Lighting the way to a brighter financial future.
Family-owned since 1985. Real people helping real people across Kentucky and Tennessee.
Services
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164 Old Porter Pike
Bowling Green, KY 42103
270.438.2611
Fax 270.495.3888
Monday–Friday, 8:30–5:00
Studle Financial Services provides financial guidance and insurance products to families and businesses in Kentucky and Tennessee. Information on this website is for educational purposes and is not individualized advice. Your situation is unique — please talk with a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
Tax preparation and filing services are provided by Studle & Associates. Studle Foundation is the charitable arm of the Studle family of companies.
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