Summary: Approaching 62 and eager to sign up for Social Security? Consider how your decision may impact your spouse’s benefits, as claiming early can reduce your own retirement benefit by up to 30%. Spousal benefits are worth up to half of the worker’s retirement benefit at full retirement age (FRA). Your spouse needs to wait until their FRA to qualify for the maximum spousal benefit. Work together to coordinate your claiming strategy for the largest household benefits. Consider delaying benefits to maximize your checks and survivor benefits for your spouse. Plan ahead and use tools to estimate your benefits.

Summary: When deciding on Social Security, keep in mind how your choices affect your spouse. Claiming early allows your partner to apply for spousal benefits earlier but reduces their survivor benefits. Coordinate your claiming strategy with your spouse to maximize household benefits. Consider delaying benefits to grow your checks and survivor benefits. Use tools like the my Social Security account to estimate benefits and start a conversation with your partner about when to apply. Stay open to adjusting your plan as needed.

Summary: Discover how Social Security decisions impact your spouse and retirement income. Learn about spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and coordinating claiming strategies with your partner. Consider delaying benefits for larger checks and increased survivor benefits. Use tools like the my Social Security account to estimate benefits and start a conversation with your partner. Maximize your retirement income with little-known Social Security strategies. Join Stock Advisor to learn more about maximizing your benefits for a confident retirement.

Read more at Nasdaq: Does Claiming Social Security Early Hurt Your Partner’s Spousal Benefit?