Earnings Test – The Simply Retirement Podcast

Social Security Planning After Divorce: Crucial Rules and Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 63)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | July 30, 2025

Divorce is difficult enough without letting confusion over Social Security take a toll on your future income.

In this episode, I explain the essential Social Security strategies every divorced woman should know, from the ten-year rule to remarriage traps. I highlight true stories of women who faced preventable financial setbacks and how proper planning could have saved them thousands.

This episode discusses:

The importance of understanding the 10-year marriage rule for eligibility on an ex-spouse’s Social Security record
How the timing of claiming benefits, including the impact of claiming early, can affect your lifetime income
The effects of remarriage, before and after age 60, on eligibility for both spousal and survivor benefits
The distinction between ex-spousal and survivor benefits, including how and when you can switch between them
Why consulting a financial advisor or certified divorce financial analyst can help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your options

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Top 5 Questions on Social Security Survivor Benefits (Ep. 37)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | December 18, 2024

Social Security survivor benefits are a vital source of financial stability for many women, but how can you ensure you maximize these benefits when planning for retirement?

In this episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, Eric Blake dives into the intricacies of Social Security survivor benefits and how they impact retirement planning.

Eric focuses on the top questions from clients and more about eligibility, the application process, and strategic considerations around survivor benefits. Tune in to discover how to maximize your benefits and make informed decisions that align with your retirement plans.

Eric discusses:

Eligibility criteria and crucial timelines for Social Security survivor benefits
Impact of remarriage on survivor benefits and critical ages to consider
The importance of timing for filing and how it affects benefit amounts
Integration of Social Security benefits with other income sources for a balanced financial strategy
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com
Join the Simply Retirement Newsletter
Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast
Blake Wealth Management
YouTube

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Understanding Spousal (and Ex-Spousal) Social Security Benefits (Ep. 24)

By TheSimplyRetirementPodcast | June 5, 2024

Are you leaving Social Security benefits on the table? Let’s take a moment and talk about spousal and ex-spousal benefits.

Today on the Simply Retirement Podcast, Eric Blake delves into what women need to know about maximizing their Social Security benefits, specifically spousal and ex-spousal benefits. He clarifies the eligibility criteria, benefit calculation, timing strategies, and the impact of working on social security benefits. Eric emphasizes the importance of understanding the rules around social security benefits to maximize your financial security during retirement.

Here’s what you can expect to learn about:

How spousal and ex-spousal benefits are calculated
The eligibility criteria for spousal and ex-spousal benefits based on marriage duration
What the earnings test is and the implications of working while receiving benefits
How provisional income affects the taxable portion of your social security benefits
Deciding between taking Social Security benefits before and after full retirement age
Tax implications associated with Social Security benefits and the importance of accurate planning
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More