The Social Security Strategy Wall Street Should Teach — But Doesn’t
Confused by Social Security?
I’ve worked with many smart financial advisors. But here’s the truth: Wall Street does not teach advisors how to optimize Social Security. And that gap costs retirees thousands.
1. Advisors Rely Too Heavily on Software
Planning platforms use generic assumptions and do not calculate WEP/GPO or sequence widow benefits. Your Social Security decisions deserve more than a checkbox algorithm.
2. Advisors Avoid the Topic to Reduce Liability
So many lean toward “File at FRA, it’s safe.” That advice is safe for them—but not optimal for you.
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3. The Higher Earner’s Filing Age Drives Portfolio Success
Delaying Social Security reduces sequence-of-return risk and increases tax efficiency. Portfolio success and Social Security timing are directly connected.
About Author
Ray R. Harris
Ray R. Harris, RSSA®, partners with tax and legal professionals to provide specialized Social Security claiming analysis for high-net-worth clients aged 58–70. A former executive with an MBA and background in Finance, Ray mitigates liability for his partners by ensuring their clients optimize spousal benefits, tax efficiency, and lifetime income.
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