Social Security decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand spousal and survivor benefits.
What benefits are you entitled to based on your spouse’s record? When should you claim them?
In this Q&A episode, I address two common Social Security questions that women face. I walk through the step-by-step process for determining spousal benefits for married couples and explore the strategic decisions widows face when choosing between their own retirement benefit and survivor benefits. I also share practical guidance for a recent widow navigating cash flow challenges, work decisions, and benefit timing in the early months after loss.
Key points:
The six-step process to determine spousal benefit eligibility and calculate the maximum benefit amount
How survivor benefits differ from spousal benefits and why this distinction matters for your strategy
Why starting one benefit early while delaying another can maximize lifetime Social Security income
Cash flow considerations when facing the decision to return to work while receiving benefits
The importance of sequencing decisions rather than rushing to solve everything at once
Understanding Social Security can feel complicated, especially when life events like divorce or widowhood come into play.
In this episode, I join Karen Covy on her podcast, Off The Fence, to walk through the rules that often matter most for women.
We discuss how full retirement age works, how spousal, ex-spousal, and survivor benefits are determined, and what to know about the 10-year marriage rule. Our conversation also covers the Social Security Fairness Act and how it affects certain workers with pensions.
Together, we outline key considerations that can help listeners better understand their options when planning for future income.
Key Topics:
How full retirement age determines your benefit amount and why this number is critical to every Social Security decision
The difference between spousal, ex-spousal, and survivor benefits, and how remarriage affects your eligibility
The 10-year marriage rule for divorced individuals, and what documentation you need to claim benefits
How the Social Security Fairness Act eliminated penalties that primarily affected women with pensions
Strategic timing considerations when you’re still working and approaching retirement age
And more!
Next week, Karen will be joining me on the Simply Retirement Podcast to discuss how women can move forward with strength and strategy after divorce. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.
Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach, Lawyer, Mediator, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster. She coaches busy professionals and business owners all over the world to make clear, confident decisions about their most important relationships. She also helps them navigate through divorce with less conflict, unnecessary expense, and needless drama so that they can create the life they truly desire sooner rather than later. Karen is the author of When Happily Ever After Ends: How to Survive Your Divorce Emotionally, Financially, and Legally. She is also the creator of the online divorce programs, The Divorce Road Map 3.0 and How to Successfully Mediate Your Divorce, as well as the host of the podcast, Off the Fence: Mastering Decision-Making Divorce and More.
Are you a caregiver (or will be) with concerns about your financial future?
In a compelling episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast, host Eric Blake turns the spotlight on women’s unique retirement planning needs, especially for those who are serving as a caregiver or very likely will be one day. Caregivers often face specific challenges that can drastically alter their financial future. As a seasoned financial professional specializing in retirement planning, Eric explores the specific challenges women encounter when taking on the honorable role of caregiver for parents, family, or close friends. This interview comes from a special Virtual Caregivers Conference hosted by Jeannie Dougherty, certified money coach. The conference was a passion project for Jeannie designed to support both caregivers and their families and was inspired by Jeannie’s 11 years serving as a caregiver for her parents, who both suffered from Alzheimer’s.
Key Insights:
Savvy Social Security Planning: Learn the importance of understanding Social Security, highlighting nuances in eligibility for various benefits
Case Study Insight: Eric presents a poignant case study of a widow facing financial difficulties, emphasizing the need for personalized financial planning
Navigating Early Retirement: Explore the implications of early retirement decisions on Social Security and health insurance
The Emotional Factor: Recognize the significant emotional stress caregivers endure, underlining the crucial role of professional financial advice
Simply Retirement Roadmap: Eric introduces a structured planning process for comprehensive retirement planning
Social Security for Divorcees: Clarify eligibility requirements for ex-spouse benefits and potential Social Security policy changes
Full Retirement Age and Work: Highlight the importance of understanding full retirement age and its implications on benefits
As a determined woman ready to positively impact the world, Jeannie Dougherty continues to help people from all walks of life. She is a coveted counselor, certified money coach, mental fitness coach, and speaker.
She graduated with a master’s degree in counseling from Ottawa University. She graduated from the prestigious Money Coaching Institute as a Certified Money Coach for Individuals, Couples, and Businesses. She’s passionate about her area of expertise, and Jeannie set forth on her quest to do great things.
Moreover, she works with businesses, individuals, and couples to help them find better ways to reach their goals. Over the years, her efforts have earned her a reputation among clients who are ever eager to vouch for her holistic services.
She graduated with a master’s degree in counseling from Ottawa University. She graduated from the prestigious Money Coaching Institute as a Certified Money Coach for Individuals, Couples, and Businesses. She is also a former Federal Retirement Readiness professional. She’s passionate about her area of specialty, and Jeannie set forth on her quest to do great things. Evidently, her perspective on life is simple, and she’s wholly gentle in her approach to the clients. That’s precisely why her customer base continues to grow today.
You see, both of her parents passed away from Alzheimer’s. She spent 11 years of her adult life being a caregiver, dealing with financial and healthcare decisions with her family and their providers.
Her parents’ financial journeys were different, as well as how their diseases manifested. Jeannie understands why lots of folks who become caregivers overnight have their money-handling skills and financial psychology shifts.
