US Social Security Spousal Benefit.

[Captain Graham]

I have been looking into how to best take mine and my wifes SS

I am 66 and my wife is 64.
She was a stay at home mom most of the time but does have some work history.

Her SS benefit at her full retirement are is low but when I retire she will quality for a spousal benefit that will top-up her benefit to 1/2 of my benefit.

I have had a hard time understand how this works.

IMHO this video explains it very clearly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFXn...3FO9q17kl9WpNx

[JPA Cate]

If I had to guess, the SSA may raise the retirement ages, as has happened elswhere in the world, and therefore, I'd be inclined to get started before it happened to me, because I doubt they'll turn it off, once started. Just my opinion.

Ann

[hpeer]

If you goto the bottom of this page and look for the “SOCIAL KNOWLEDGE” icon, select that.
Then select “various”.
Then select “Early Retirement”.

Within that grouping you will find some excellent advice including an excellent retirement calculator.

[thomm225]

I didn't watch the video, but if you work until age 70-71 and max out your SS, that most likely would be best.

Maximum Social Security is $4555/month right now so if you reach that before you are 70-71 there is no need to continue working unless you just enjoy working and already live in a great place for sailing / cruising like those of us along the Chesapeake Bay.

We that have that luxury don't necessarily need to retire and sail to other places for great cruising as we already have it right here.

[elinorholka1]

Originally Posted by Captain Graham

I have been looking into how to best take mine and my wifes SS

I am 66 and my wife is 64.
She was a stay at home mom most of the time but does have some work history.

Her SS benefit at her full retirement are is low but when I retire she will quality for a spousal benefit that will top-up her benefit to 1/2 of my benefit.

I have had a hard time understand how this works.

IMHO this video explains it very clearly.

This is an interesting video, thanks!

[denverd0n]

For those looking for clear and concise explanations of the various Social Security rules, I recommend "Social Security: Simple & Smart," by Tom Margenau. I found it very helpful, and have given it as a gift to several friends and family members.


https://www.amazon.com/Social-Securi...s%2C197&sr=8-3

[MicHughV]

A lot of retiree's...myself included...find hobbies that can turn into cash.....myself, I do a lot art work and do okay with it.
I know several retiree's that take odd jobs....I know several that work the counter at a local auto parts store....I've even been offered a job there. Places like hardware stores, Home Depot also have a lot of retiree's working there, due in part to their years of " experience".

A lot of retiree's get a little lost after ending a long career and seem to loose it, so doing "something" is a good way to cure the blues and also make a few bucks.
Make some new friends as well.

[elinorholka1]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

A lot of retiree's...myself included...find hobbies that can turn into cash.....myself, I do a lot art work and do okay with it.
I know several retiree's that take odd jobs....http://essaypapers.reviews/ I know several that work the counter at a local auto parts store....I've even been offered a job there. Places like hardware stores, Home Depot also have a lot of retiree's working there, due in part to their years of " experience".

A lot of retiree's get a little lost after ending a long career and seem to loose it, so doing "something" is a good way to cure the blues and also make a few bucks.
Make some new friends as well.

I agree with you