Q1 Strategy Review: Is Your 2026 Plan on Track?
Confused by Social Security?
We are three months into the year. This is the perfect moment for a 15-minute Strategy Checkup.
3 Things to Check Right Now
- Your Earnings: Are you on pace to stay under the 2026 Earnings Limit?
- Your Tax Withholding: Did you owe money this tax season? Adjust your W-4V now.
- Your Spending: Is inflation eating your budget? We may need to adjust withdrawals.
Planning for the Rest of 2026
If you plan to file later this year, get your documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate) ready now.
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.
Related Articles
Independent Entitlement: Claiming Spousal Benefits Even If Your Ex Hasn’t Filed
Usually, you can’t claim spousal benefits until the worker files. But Divorce changes the rules. The Rule: Independent Entitlement If you have been divorced for at least 2 years, you can claim on your ex’s record even if they are still working and haven’t filed yet. Why This Is Huge You don’t have to wait…
The “Family Maximum”: Is There a Cap on What Your Household Can Receive?
Social Security is generous to families, but there is a ceiling: The Family Maximum. It caps total payments at roughly 150-180% of the worker’s benefit. How It Works The Worker always gets their full benefit. The Dependents (spouse, children) split the remainder. If the total exceeds the cap, dependent benefits are scaled down. Why Planning…
Voluntary Suspension: How to “Pause” Your Benefit to Grow It Later
Did you file early and regret it? Once you reach Full Retirement Age, you can ask Social Security to stop sending you checks. What Is Voluntary Suspension? For every month you suspend (between FRA and 70), you earn Delayed Retirement Credits (8% per year). This permanently increases your benefit. The “Gotcha” When you suspend, spousal…