Outdated Social Security advice can create costly mistakes, especially when rules have changed, but old strategies are still being shared today.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I was told I could do this with Social Security”? What if that advice no longer applies and could affect your retirement income for years to come?

In this episode, I explain several Social Security filing strategies that used to work but no longer apply for many women today. I walk through common misunderstandings around ex-spousal benefits, deemed filing rules, restricted applications, and survivor benefits. I also clarify the important differences between rules for married spouses and divorced spouses, along with how filing early can reduce benefits.

Key takeaways:

• Why outdated Social Security strategies can create costly retirement income mistakes today
• How the deemed filing rules changed spousal and ex-spousal benefit claiming options
• The difference between survivor benefits and spousal benefits after divorce or widowhood
• Why filing before full retirement age can permanently reduce monthly benefits
• How working before full retirement age may temporarily reduce Social Security income
• And more!

Resources:

• Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roadmap
• 2026 Tax and Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet
• #14 – Top 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security
• #24 – Understanding Spousal (and Ex-Spousal) Social Security Benefits
• #37 – Top 5 Questions on Social Security Survivor Benefits
• #63 – Social Security Planning After Divorce: Crucial Rules and Mistakes to Avoid
• #85 – Social Security: Essential Rules for Women and Divorcees

Connect with Eric Blake:

• www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com
• Join the Simply Retirement Newsletter
• Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast
• Blake Wealth Management
• YouTube