In this episode, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions continue their deep dive into Social Security, focusing on strategies to maximize your benefits. They discuss the importance of understanding your full retirement age, the impact of claiming early or delaying, and how spousal and survivor benefits can play into your plan. Jim & Casey also cover taxation of benefits, coordination with other income sources, and key mistakes to avoid. This episode offers practical, clear guidance to help you make the most of your Social Security decisions. Want to work with us?

Visit: http://retirewithmartin.com/ Learn more: www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 Introduction to Today’s Topic 00:38 Review of Social Security Basics from Part 1 02:14 Full Retirement Age and Its Impact 04:56 Early Claiming: Pros, Cons, and Long-Term Effects 08:20 Delaying Benefits for Higher Payouts 11:05 Spousal and Survivor Benefits Explained 15:32 Taxation of Social Security Benefits 18:45 Coordinating Social Security with Other Income 22:10 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 25:54 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions dive into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in retirement planning: Social Security. They cover when to take it, how spousal and survivor benefits work, and the impact of early versus delayed claiming. Jim & Casey also bust some common myths and walk through real-life scenarios that help you think strategically about how Social Security fits into your broader retirement income plan. Want to work with us?

Visit: http://retirewithmartin.com/ Learn more: www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Social Security Planning 01:10 Meet the Hosts: Jim Martin & Casey Bibb 01:45 Why Timing Matters for Social Security 03:20 Misconceptions About Taking Benefits Early 06:08 Full Retirement Age Explained 07:44 Delayed Credits: Why Waiting Can Pay Off 09:16 Spousal Benefits and Eligibility Rules 13:10 Survivor Benefits: What Widows and Widowers Need to Know 15:43 Real-Life Client Example: Strategic Claiming 18:22 How Social Security Fits Into a Broader Retirement Plan 22:18 Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions unpack one of the most misunderstood tools in retirement planning: annuities. From fixed to indexed to variable annuities, they walk through what each type does, how they work, and where they might fit in a retirement strategy. If you’ve ever wondered whether an annuity is right for you—or if the bad press is warranted—this episode brings clarity and balance to the conversation. Want to work with us?

Visit: http://retirewithmartin.com/ Learn more: www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 Intro: The Annuity Debate 01:42 What Is an Annuity, Really? 03:28 The Insurance Component Explained 06:17 Why Annuities Are Misunderstood 08:55 Fixed Annuities vs. CDs: Pros and Cons 10:40 Fixed Indexed Annuities: How They Work 13:50 The Role of Riders and Guarantees 17:08 Annuity Fees and Liquidity Trade-offs 20:25 When an Annuity Might Make Sense 22:41 Case Study: A Real-Life Example 26:00 Is an Annuity Right for You?

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.