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Listen "What Most People Get Wrong About Social Security"
Episode Synopsis
Check out Jeremy’s latest podcast on retirement planning by listening on “Apple Podcasts” or “Google Podcasts” or read below for When Should You File For Social Security?
Summary:
[131] – When should you file for social security? Most people think they should start taking social security payments as soon as they retire, but that misconception can lead to losing hundreds of thousands of dollars over their lifetime!
In this episode, Jeremy Keil talks about the most common mistakes he sees people make with social security. He addresses what most people get wrong about social security – when you should file for it – and explains how you can avoid those mistakes and maximize your social security benefits over your lifetime.
Jeremy discusses:
The importance of longevity in determining when you should start taking Social Security
The biggest misunderstanding people have between their social security date and retirement date
The 3 things to keep in mind when determining your longevity and finding the best time to file for social security
Why couples need to consider their longevity together, not just as individuals
And more
When Should You File For Social Security?
Social Security is an important source of income for many Americans during their retirement years. However, deciding when to file for Social Security benefits can be a complicated decision that depends on several factors. In this post, we will explore some of the key considerations that can help you determine when to file for Social Security.
How To Determine Your Longevity
When deciding when to file for Social Security, one important factor is your health and expected longevity.
It’s important to consider the joint life expectancy rather than just the life expectancy of each individual spouse. The joint life expectancy is the average length of time that one or both spouses will live, and it’s important because Social Security benefits are designed to provide financial support for both spouses throughout their lifetimes.
Determining your longevity is easier than you may think! There are resources available like longevityillustrator.org to help you calculate your life expectancy and ssa.gov to get your own personalized Social Security estimate.
What’s Best For Your Financial Needs
Your financial needs are another important consideration when deciding when to file for Social Security benefits.
Many people make the mistake of deciding when to take their social security benefits based their political beliefs or how they feel about the government, and without running the math of their benefits or properly estimating their longevity. Instead, make sure you take the time to do the math and make your decision based on what’s best for your financial needs instead.
If you need income immediately to cover basic living expenses, you may want to file for benefits as soon as possible, even if it means a lower monthly benefit. However, if you have other sources of income or savings that can cover your expenses, waiting to file for benefits can help you maximize your monthly benefit.
The Different Considerations For Couples
If you are married, it’s also important to consider your spouse’s needs when deciding when to file for Social Security benefits. Make sure you include your spouse’s longevity estimate and social security estimates in your calculations instead of just your own because this decision affects both of you.
Spousal benefits can provide a significant boost to your overall social security income, so it’s important not to overlook them when considering your options.
If you file for benefits early, your spouse may be eligible for a reduced spousal benefit. Additionally, if your spouse passes away before you, you may be eligible to receive survivor benefits, which can be a substantial source of income during a difficult time.
It’s important to understand the decisions you make when married affect the widow down the road and are probably the most important decisions to make around Social Security.
Seek Professional Advice
Ultimately, the decision about when to file for Social Security will depend on your individual circumstances, and there may be factors that are unique to your situation. Consider seeking professional advice from a financial advisor or retirement planner to help you make an informed decision.
By keeping these tips and considerations in mind, you can make a more informed decision about when to file for Social Security, and ensure that you maximize your benefits and overall financial well-being in retirement.
___________________________________________________________________________
To learn more about when you should file for social security, check out the resources below!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us using the contact information provided below!
Resources:
How To Fix America: Social Security
Longevityillustrator.org
SSA.gov
Get What’s Yours – Revised & Updated: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security
Kiplinger: What’s Your Strategy for Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits?
SSA Checklist for Online Medicare, Retirement, & Spouses Application
Form SSA-10 | Information You Need to Apply for Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Divorced Spouse’s Benefits
SSA Retirement Ready Fact Sheet For Workers 18-48
SSA Retirement Ready Fact Sheet For Workers 49-60
SSA Retirement Ready Fact Sheet For Workers 61-69
SSA Retirement Ready Fact Sheet For Workers 70 And Up
SSA Publications: SSA.gov/pubs
Free Retirement Planning Video Course: 5stepretirementplan.com
3 Things You Should Know Before Choosing A Financial Advisor
7 Questions That Could Make or Break Your Retirement
Subscribe to Retirement Revealed on Google Podcasts
Subscribe to Retirement Revealed on Apple Podcasts
Connect With Jeremy Keil:
[email protected]
262-333-8353
Keil Financial Partners
LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil
Facebook: Jeremy Keil
LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners
Book a call with Jeremy
===
Disclosures
Videos/Podcasts/Blogs (media) published prior to June 30, 2025, were recorded and approved while the advisor was affiliated with Thrivent Advisor Network. These media reflect the advisor’s views and interpretations at that time. The information and disclosures contained in those media were believed to be accurate and complete as of the date of recording, but may not reflect current market conditions or Alongside, LLC, policies.
All content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Read below for current disclosures and potential conflicts of interest.
This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past Performance is no guarantee of future results.
Legal & Tax Disclosure
Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations.
Advisor Disclosures
Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC.
Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A.
The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.
For important disclosures visit: https://keilfp.com/disclosures/
===
Summary:
[131] – When should you file for social security? Most people think they should start taking social security payments as soon as they retire, but that misconception can lead to losing hundreds of thousands of dollars over their lifetime!
In this episode, Jeremy Keil talks about the most common mistakes he sees people make with social security. He addresses what most people get wrong about social security – when you should file for it – and explains how you can avoid those mistakes and maximize your social security benefits over your lifetime.
Jeremy discusses:
The importance of longevity in determining when you should start taking Social Security
The biggest misunderstanding people have between their social security date and retirement date
The 3 things to keep in mind when determining your longevity and finding the best time to file for social security
Why couples need to consider their longevity together, not just as individuals
And more
When Should You File For Social Security?
Social Security is an important source of income for many Americans during their retirement years. However, deciding when to file for Social Security benefits can be a complicated decision that depends on several factors. In this post, we will explore some of the key considerations that can help you determine when to file for Social Security.
How To Determine Your Longevity
When deciding when to file for Social Security, one important factor is your health and expected longevity.
It’s important to consider the joint life expectancy rather than just the life expectancy of each individual spouse. The joint life expectancy is the average length of time that one or both spouses will live, and it’s important because Social Security benefits are designed to provide financial support for both spouses throughout their lifetimes.
Determining your longevity is easier than you may think! There are resources available like longevityillustrator.org to help you calculate your life expectancy and ssa.gov to get your own personalized Social Security estimate.
What’s Best For Your Financial Needs
Your financial needs are another important consideration when deciding when to file for Social Security benefits.
Many people make the mistake of deciding when to take their social security benefits based their political beliefs or how they feel about the government, and without running the math of their benefits or properly estimating their longevity. Instead, make sure you take the time to do the math and make your decision based on what’s best for your financial needs instead.
If you need income immediately to cover basic living expenses, you may want to file for benefits as soon as possible, even if it means a lower monthly benefit. However, if you have other sources of income or savings that can cover your expenses, waiting to file for benefits can help you maximize your monthly benefit.
The Different Considerations For Couples
If you are married, it’s also important to consider your spouse’s needs when deciding when to file for Social Security benefits. Make sure you include your spouse’s longevity estimate and social security estimates in your calculations instead of just your own because this decision affects both of you.
Spousal benefits can provide a significant boost to your overall social security income, so it’s important not to overlook them when considering your options.
If you file for benefits early, your spouse may be eligible for a reduced spousal benefit. Additionally, if your spouse passes away before you, you may be eligible to receive survivor benefits, which can be a substantial source of income during a difficult time.
It’s important to understand the decisions you make when married affect the widow down the road and are probably the most important decisions to make around Social Security.
Seek Professional Advice
Ultimately, the decision about when to file for Social Security will depend on your individual circumstances, and there may be factors that are unique to your situation. Consider seeking professional advice from a financial advisor or retirement planner to help you make an informed decision.
By keeping these tips and considerations in mind, you can make a more informed decision about when to file for Social Security, and ensure that you maximize your benefits and overall financial well-being in retirement.
___________________________________________________________________________
To learn more about when you should file for social security, check out the resources below!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us using the contact information provided below!
Resources:
How To Fix America: Social Security
Longevityillustrator.org
SSA.gov
Get What’s Yours – Revised & Updated: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security
Kiplinger: What’s Your Strategy for Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits?
SSA Checklist for Online Medicare, Retirement, & Spouses Application
Form SSA-10 | Information You Need to Apply for Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Divorced Spouse’s Benefits
SSA Retirement Ready Fact Sheet For Workers 18-48
SSA Retirement Ready Fact Sheet For Workers 49-60
SSA Retirement Ready Fact Sheet For Workers 61-69
SSA Retirement Ready Fact Sheet For Workers 70 And Up
SSA Publications: SSA.gov/pubs
Free Retirement Planning Video Course: 5stepretirementplan.com
3 Things You Should Know Before Choosing A Financial Advisor
7 Questions That Could Make or Break Your Retirement
Subscribe to Retirement Revealed on Google Podcasts
Subscribe to Retirement Revealed on Apple Podcasts
Connect With Jeremy Keil:
[email protected]
262-333-8353
Keil Financial Partners
LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil
Facebook: Jeremy Keil
LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners
Book a call with Jeremy
===
Disclosures
Videos/Podcasts/Blogs (media) published prior to June 30, 2025, were recorded and approved while the advisor was affiliated with Thrivent Advisor Network. These media reflect the advisor’s views and interpretations at that time. The information and disclosures contained in those media were believed to be accurate and complete as of the date of recording, but may not reflect current market conditions or Alongside, LLC, policies.
All content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Read below for current disclosures and potential conflicts of interest.
This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past Performance is no guarantee of future results.
Legal & Tax Disclosure
Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations.
Advisor Disclosures
Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC.
Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A.
The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.
For important disclosures visit: https://keilfp.com/disclosures/
===
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