All Episodes

March 1, 2025 13 mins

Most retirees don’t realize just how valuable Social Security can be—or how much strategy goes into maximizing those benefits.

In this episode, we break down a real-life case study of a couple I work with, let's call them James and Elizabeth. Thanks to a smart claiming strategy, they’re projected to collect over $2.4 million in lifetime Social Security benefits. We’ll walk through:

✔️ Why the higher-earning spouse should consider delaying benefits
✔️ How spousal and survivor benefits can significantly boost lifetime income
✔️ The impact of cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) on long-term benefits
✔️ How to check your Social Security statement and calculate your own benefits

Are you making the most of your Social Security? Learn how to run your own numbers and avoid leaving money on the table.

Episode Resources

Social Security Administration

Don't Miss Out: Smart Retirement Savers Read Atomic Ideas
Want weekly tips to make smarter financial decisions? Subscribe to Atomic Ideas, a free newsletter packed with timely market insights, helpful visuals, and proven retirement strategies.

Get Atomic Ideas

Ready to Create Your Atomic Retirement?
Take the next step! Schedule your FREE 20-minute Atomic Retirement Roadmap appointment today. What's included? 

  • Tax Return Review
  • Investment Check-Up
  • Retirement Income Analysis

Get Your Free Atomic Retirement Roadmap

Share Your Thoughts
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review and share it with someone who's planning for retirement!

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.