Retirement Guides and Checklists

This quick reference guide provides key Social Security numbers to help you in planning.

Claiming Social Security benefits can be one of the more complicated decisions you will make when planning for retirement. There are a multitude of rules that can have a significant and lasting impact on your future income stream and overall financial picture. To help make this analysis easier, we have created the “Will My Social Security Benefits Be Reduced?” flowchart.

There are lots of important numbers to keep in mind when planning for retirement. In some cases, those numbers are annual limits that change each year. Other times, the figures do not often change but are used frequently. Given the variety of sources that report relevant numbers, it can be difficult to quickly find the right reference when you need it. In response to this challenge, we’ve created the two-page “Important Numbers” resource.

Under Social Security, spousal benefits present an important source of income for many retirees. But, there are several important factors and issues that must be considered. Determinations regarding available benefits and timing can be difficult. To help make the analysis easier, we have created the “Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Spouse?” flowchart.

Social Security benefits can be confusing if you have ever been divorced. There are several important and unique issues that must be considered before filing a claim to collect Social Security benefits. To help make the analysis easier, we have created the “Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits If I Have Been Divorced?” flowchart. It addresses these common Social Security issues that arise for individuals who have experienced a divorce.

Social Security survivor benefits present an important source of income for many retirees. But, there are several important and unique issues that must be considered for anyone that has recently lost their spouse or ex-spouse, before filing a claim to collect Social Security benefits. To help make the analysis easier, we have created the “Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Surviving Spouse?” flowchart. It addresses many common Social Security issues that arise for clients who have recently lost their spouse or ex-spouse.