When is the Right Time to File for Social Security?

10/04/2024 18 min

Listen "When is the Right Time to File for Social Security?"

Episode Synopsis

Navigating the choices and options available when you’re deciding when you should start taking Social Security.
In this episode of Retirement Revealed, I’m excited to tackle one of the most crucial questions in retirement planning: when to file for Social Security. As we kick off Social Security month, it’s worth looking back at last year’s Retirement Revealed episodes with guests like Mark Kiner and Devin Carroll. 
For the first podcast of “Social Security Month 2024”, we’re unpacking a three-step process to determine the optimal time to file for Social Security. 

Get a personalized life expectancy estimate

The life expectancy estimates you’ll find in the paper are likely using formulas that have some inherent challenges. You need a more accurate estimate of your life expectancy-one that includes the factors that are impacting you. I’ve seen it proved time and again—relying on generic statistics won’t cut it. Your unique health, lifestyle, and family history all play a role in determining your life expectancy.

Tailoring your Social Security estimate

Don’t settle for the one-size-fits-all projections from the government. Take the time to input your specific details, such as anticipated retirement age and income levels. By doing so, you’ll get a much clearer picture of what to expect from your Social Security benefits.
Just because you made a plan to start taking Social Security at a certain age, evaluating your options and getting creative with your start dates between you and your partner might provide you with the ability to draw on a larger amount for longer. 

View Social Security as insurance, not investment

This mindset shift can make a marked impact on how you approach your retirement planning. Social Security was designed to provide a safety net for people in their old age—a reliable source of income in your golden years.
Oftentimes, people view Social Security as an investment that they have to continue to build up, but that mindset can result in delaying your filing so long that your life ends before you have a chance to experience the benefits of your “investment.”
Ultimately, the best time to file for Social Security is when it maximizes your lifetime benefits. By following these steps and seeking personalized estimates, you can be more prepared to make the retirement decisions that work for your unique situation.
Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retirement Revealed” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes!
Subscribe to Retirement Revealed to get new episodes every Wednesday.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337
Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify 
Additional Links:

Longevityillustrator.org 
Retirement Revealed episode with Mark Kiner
Retirement Revealed episode with Devin Carroll

Connect With Jeremy Keil:

Keil Financial Partners
LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil
Facebook: Jeremy Keil
LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners
YouTube: Retirement Revealed
Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team

===
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/
===

More episodes of the podcast Retire Today