The Social Security claiming decision affects lifetime income by $100K–$300K for most households — and most people make it without analysis.
Claiming at 62 vs waiting until 70 is not a simple calculation. Spousal coordination, survivor benefits, taxation of benefits, and interaction with Medicare and RMDs all affect the optimal claiming age. At the $2M–$30M level, this is a strategy decision, not a default.
What changes at the $2M–$30M level
Your action plan
Ordered by urgency. Items marked "Immediate" should be addressed within 60–90 days.
Compare lifetime cumulative benefits across claiming ages 62–70. Include spousal coordination and survivor benefit scenarios.
Do this in My Wealth Maps →The optimal strategy for a couple is almost never for both spouses to claim at the same age. Model the combined household outcome.
Do this in My Wealth Maps →Social Security income combined with RMDs can push you above IRMAA thresholds. Model the combined income picture.
Do this in My Wealth Maps →If you claim before FRA and continue working, your benefit may be temporarily reduced. Understand the rules before claiming early.
Your Social Security benefit is based on your earnings record. Errors in that record reduce your benefit. Review and dispute any inaccuracies.
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