We’ve spent decades helping people like you map out the retirement of their dreams. In this session, we shared key insights to help you optimize your Social Security, avoid costly mistakes, and build a plan that supports your long-term goals.

Start with Confidence: Planning for a Secure Retirement
From 401(k)s to IRAs, annuities to bonds, retirement planning can feel overwhelming. That’s why we start with clarity. Knowing how Social Security fits into your income picture—and how to strategically manage taxes—can be the difference between retiring stressed or retiring strong.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Social Security Claiming Basics
Did you know that over 50% of married couples and 70% of unmarried retirees rely on Social Security for at least half their income? And nearly one in five couples rely on it for almost everything. Yet many people make the mistake of claiming benefits at age 62 without a clear strategy. Doing that can lock in lower payments for life.

If you wait until age 70, your benefit can increase by as much as 80%, thanks to an 8% per year delayed retirement credit. That’s one of the best guaranteed returns available in retirement planning.

How Social Security Is Calculated
To qualify for Social Security, you need 40 work credits—typically 10 years of work. Your benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings, adjusted for inflation. Zeros are averaged in for missing years, which can lower your benefit. But here’s the good news: new, higher-earning years can replace old ones and boost your benefit—even in your 60s.

Why Timing Is Everything
Some retirees claim early out of financial necessity or fear that Social Security won’t be there. But if you can afford to wait—and if you have a spouse—there’s often a big advantage to delaying. Spousal benefits are capped at 50% of your full retirement age (FRA) benefit, and survivor benefits are based on the higher-earning spouse’s benefit. That makes it smart for the higher earner to delay.

What If You’re Divorced or Widowed?
If you were married for 10 years or more, you might still be eligible for spousal or survivor benefits—even if you’re divorced. And if your spouse passes away, you may qualify for 100% of their benefit. These rules are complex but can be hugely valuable when used correctly.

The Tax Trap Few Talk About
Social Security isn’t always tax-free. Up to 85% of your benefits can be taxed depending on your provisional income (which includes AGI, half of your benefits, and tax-free interest). If you’re single and make over $34,000, or married and over $44,000, you’ll likely be paying taxes on most of your benefit.

We recommend strategies like Roth IRA distributions, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), and keeping your adjusted gross income low to minimize these taxes. It’s not just about earning—it’s about keeping more of what you earn.

Roth Conversions: Smart Move or Medicare Mistake?
Roth conversions are a great way to reduce future taxes, but be careful—converting too much at once can trigger higher Medicare premiums. Medicare uses a two-year look-back on your income to calculate your premiums. So if you do a large conversion this year, you might see your premiums spike two years from now.

Social Security Isn’t Frozen in Time
Every month you delay your benefit past full retirement age, you get a little boost. And if you earn more in your 60s than you did earlier in your career, those earnings can increase your benefit too. Layla from Mission Valley asked whether lower earnings in retirement would hurt her benefit—and the answer is no. But higher earnings can definitely help.

Got Real Estate? Use It to Reduce Taxes
Big Al explained how real estate investors can reduce taxable income by using deferred maintenance deductions or claiming up to $25,000 in rental losses—especially if AGI is below $100,000. That can be a powerful way to lower your provisional income and cut taxes on Social Security.

Take Action: Know the Rules, Use the Tools
Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or already receiving benefits, now is the time to get informed. Explore all your options:

• Delay claiming to boost benefits
• Explore spousal and survivor strategies
• Reduce your tax bill with smart distribution planning
• Consider a Roth conversion—but weigh Medicare impacts
• Use real estate and charitable tools to lower AGI

To dive deeper, grab our Social Security Handbook—your go-to guide for understanding eligibility, strategy, and tax implications.

Intended for educational purposes only. Opinions expressed are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Neither the information presented, nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decisions. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES:

• Investment Advisory and Financial Planning Services are offered through Pure Financial Advisors, LLC. A Registered Investment Advisor.

• Pure Financial Advisors, LLC. does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with a tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations.

• Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

• Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

• All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

• Intended for educational purposes only and are not intended as individualized advice or a guarantee that you will achieve a desired result. Before implementing any strategies discussed you should consult your tax and financial advisors.

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