🎯 Not sure where you stand with your retirement plan? Schedule your Complete Planning Review: https://www.rwpaul.com/complete-planning-review

Did your Social Security check actually go up in 2026 or did Medicare quietly take some of it back? A new year brings new updates, and 2026 is no exception when it comes to Social Security.

Even small rule changes can have a meaningful impact on your retirement income. Today, we break down what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and why Social Security decisions should never be made in isolation. Whether you’re already collecting benefits or getting close to filing, this conversation helps you think through how these updates fit into a broader retirement strategy, not just a calendar date.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

💵 Cost-of-Living Adjustments vs. Medicare Premiums – Why raises don’t always feel like raises

🧾 Taxes & the New Senior Deduction – What it does (and doesn’t) mean for Social Security taxation

⏳ When to File for Benefits – Early, full retirement age, or delayed strategies

⚖️ Break-Even & Longevity Considerations – Why health and life expectancy matter

🔄 Spousal & Survivor Strategies – Coordinating benefits as a couple

Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm

Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact

Phone: 248-305-9911

Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51