Why You Might Want to Look at Life Insurance & Long-Term Care Earlier Than You Think
September 19, 2025
Talking about insurance isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite topic, but it’s an important one. Life insurance and long-term care (LTC) coverage are tools that can help you prepare for the unexpected. While many people wait until later in life, starting younger often means more flexibility, lower costs, and a wider range of choices.
What They Cover
- Life insurance → pays a benefit to your beneficiaries if you pass away. This can help cover expenses like rent, loans, or general household costs.
- Long-term care insurance → helps cover care expenses if you ever need help with daily activities over an extended period. This can include in-home care, assisted living, or nursing facilities costs that typically aren’t covered by health insurance or Medicare.
Why Younger Can Be Better
- Costs are usually lower. Premiums are generally based on age and health. Applying earlier can mean lower monthly payments.
- More likely to qualify. Good health makes approval easier. Waiting until health issues arise can limit options.
- More choices. Some policies or riders are only available if you apply earlier.
- Time to plan. Starting younger lets you spread out costs and build coverage into your budget gradually.
- Less uncertainty. Putting coverage in place sooner can reduce the risk of being caught off guard later.
Things to Consider
- Premiums are an ongoing cost, so make sure they fit within your budget.
- You may be paying for long-term care coverage years before you use it.
- Inflation riders, waiting periods, and benefit limits vary by policy. It’s important to understand the details.
- Insurance needs can change over time. Reviewing coverage every few years is a good practice.
Getting Started
- Think about who depends on your income now or who might in the future.
- Compare different companies and products to understand what’s available.
- Look at both stand-alone and combination (life + LTC) options.
- Work with a licensed professional and financial planner who can walk through your personal situation.
Final Thought
Exploring life insurance and long-term care while you’re younger doesn’t mean you expect the worst. It means you’re preparing ahead of time, so future choices are less stressful and potentially more affordable.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, or investment advice. Insurance products vary, and everyone’s situation is different. Please consult with a licensed insurance or financial professional before making decisions about coverage. Any opinion included in this blog constitutes our judgment as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice. The views expressed are those of the author as of the date noted, are subject to change based on market and other various conditions. Certain risks exist with any type of investment and should be considered carefully before making any investment decisions. Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website, https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/123807.
This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking investment advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material. ©401(k) Marketing, LLC. All rights reserved. Proprietary and confidential. Do not copy or distribute outside original intent.
Imagine waking up in the morning and realizing your money has been busy working while you slept. That’s the power of a thoughtful financial plan—shifting from working for every dollar to having your dollars quietly working for you. Creating Your Financial Roadmap Financial planning starts with clarity. A financial advisor or consultant can help outline a plan that reflects your goals, resources, and time horizon. This can include: Individual and personal financial planning for major milestones like buying a home or funding education. Financial planning for businesses to align growth with long-term stability. Retirement plans for small businesses that support both owners and employees. A financial planning firm brings together these services so you can look at the bigger picture, not just one piece at a time. Preparing for the Unexpected Life doesn’t always go according to script, which is why planning for the “what ifs” is so important. Disability planning and life insurance services can provide support for you and your family in unforeseen circumstances. Estate planning is another key step. Working with an estate planner or using estate planning services helps organize how your assets are managed in the future. Making Your Investments Work Investing is one of the most effective ways to put your money to work. Investment advisors, investment managers, and advisory firms can provide guidance tailored to your situation. Services such as investment management and the use of investment models help bring structure and consistency to your approach. If retirement is on your horizon, retirement income planning, retirement plan investments, and ongoing retirement planning services can help align your resources with the lifestyle you want. Managing Risk Along the Way Every financial plan comes with some level of risk. That’s why risk management services and financial risk assessments are essential. A risk manager can help identify potential challenges before they become major issues. For those who need additional oversight, fiduciary services can help ensure that financial decisions are carried out in accordance with established standards. Support for Businesses Business owners often juggle both personal and commercial priorities. That’s where business plan consulting and commercial financial services come in. Combining these with broader financial planning creates a consistent framework for both sides of the equation. Letting Your Money Do the Work At the end of the day, the goal of financial planning isn’t about working harder—it’s about giving your money the chance to do some of the work for you. With support ranging from personal planning to investment management, retirement strategies, and risk awareness, your finances can be set up to keep moving even when you’re not. So go ahead—get some rest. Your plan can keep working while you sleep. The information contained in this presentation has been compiled from third party sources and is believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy is not guaranteed and should not be relied upon in any way, whatsoever. This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase any products or services. All investments involve risk (the amount of which may vary significantly), and investment recommendations will not always be profitable. Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2, available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure website, https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/123807 .
You’ve probably heard the advice: “Skip your daily latte and retire rich.” This idea, now commonly known as The Latte Factor, was popularized by author David Bach. But is skipping coffee really the secret to building wealth or just financial clickbait? What Is the Latte Factor? The Latte Factor refers to small, everyday purchases that add up over time. A $5 coffee might not seem like much, but spent daily, that’s around $1,825 per year. If invested with a 7% annual return over 30 years, it could grow to $172,390. Can It Make You a Millionaire? In short, no, not by itself. Skipping coffee won’t make you a millionaire unless you pair it with other smart money moves like investing regularly, increasing your income, and avoiding high-interest debt. The real point of the Latte Factor isn’t about coffee. It’s about awareness of where money is going. Small, unconscious spending habits can prevent you from achieving bigger financial goals. When It Makes Sense to Cut Back Consider cutting out small expenses if: You’re struggling to save or pay down debt You're living paycheck to paycheck You’re spending out of habit, not enjoyment What Builds Real Wealth? Skipping lattes might help, but true wealth comes from: Consistent saving and investing Growing your income Avoiding lifestyle inflation Making intentional financial choices Final Thought The Latte Factor is a helpful metaphor, but it is not a magic formula. It’s not about guilt; it’s about being mindful. If your coffee brings joy and fits your budget, enjoy it. Just make sure your financial habits support your long-term goals. Sources: 1. The Latte Factor: Why you Don’t Have to Be Rich to Live Rich, by David Bach and Kohn David Mann. Copyright 2019. All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, or legal advice. All examples are hypothetical, for illustrative purposes only, and are merely arithmetic calculations. They are not representative of the performance of any type of investment, security, or strategy offered by the firm. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Hypothetical returns do not reflect actual trading and may not be indicative of the performance of any specific investment. They are based on assumptions and estimates that may not be accurate or applicable to your individual situation. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure Site https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/123807 .
As you likely know, tariffs have been a major theme of the Trump administration in 2025. These tariffs are being implemented for a few reasons: negotiation/bargaining, punishment/sanction, and improving the U.S.’s economic situation. As a reminder, a tariff is a tax on imported goods. For example, raising the tariff rate on Japan to 25% means that all goods that U.S. companies import from Japan will be subject to a 25% tax at the port of entry. Punitive and Reciprocal Tariffs The tariff announcements began in February, with President Trump threatening 25% punitive tariffs on Canada and Mexico if they didn’t stop the flow of fentanyl across their borders. In April, Trump and the Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced “reciprocal tariffs”, aimed at lowering the trade deficits between the U.S. and foreign countries. These included a base 10% duty on all countries that have tariffs on U.S. goods, as well as significantly higher rates on countries with high tariff rates on U.S goods (like 46% on Vietnam). This announcement sent stocks reeling as the rates were much higher than expected. Stocks fell 14% in the next 4 days. Then, Trump put a 90-day pause on these reciprocal tariff and stocks rose almost 10% that day. As of August, these tariffs have gone into effect for all countries who haven’t made deals with the U.S. (Japan, Vietnam, and the EU have notably made deals). Targeted 50% Tariffs: India & Brazil India and Brazil have emerged as focal points of the new tariff strategy. India initially faced a 25% reciprocal tariff, but that was doubled to 50% since they are continuing to import Russian oil. Brazil’s tariff rate was raised from 10% to 50%, mostly for political reasons.
Market Indices Performance
Interest rates may seem like a topic best left to economists and bankers, but they play a critical role in your everyday financial life. Whether you're borrowing money, saving for the future, or investing, understanding how interest rates work can help you make smarter financial decisions. What Are Interest Rates? An interest rate is the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage1. When you take out a loan, you pay interest to the lender. When you deposit money in a savings account, the bank may pay you interest in return. It’s the price of using someone else's money or the reward for letting someone else use yours. Who Sets Interest Rates? In the U.S., the Federal Reserve (or “the Fed”) influences short-term interest rates through the federal funds rate. This rate affects everything from mortgage loans to credit card APRs. When the Fed raises rates, borrowing becomes more expensive. When it lowers rates, loans become more affordable, often to stimulate economic growth. Why Interest Rates Change Interest rates are adjusted to manage inflation, support employment, and stabilize the economy. For example: Rising rates can help cool inflation but also make borrowing more costly. We have seen this over the last couple of years. Falling rates can encourage borrowing and spending but may reduce returns on savings. This narrative has become more vocal in 2025 with our president begging for rates to fall. These shifts can impact both your short-term budget and long-term financial plans. How Interest Rates Affect You Loans & Mortgages: A small change in rates can significantly affect your monthly payments and total loan costs. Credit Cards: Most credit cards have variable rates, meaning your debt becomes more expensive when rates rise. Savings & Investments: Higher interest rates can increase your savings returns and influence investment strategies. Consumer Behavior: Rate changes often affect when and how people borrow, spend, and save. How a Financial Advisor Can Help Navigating interest rate environments can be complex, especially when you're balancing multiple financial goals. A financial advisor can: Help you time major financial decisions, such as refinancing a mortgage or locking in a fixed-rate loan Adjust your investment strategy to account for rate-sensitive assets like bonds or real estate Guide your savings plan to take advantage of higher-yield opportunities Offer personalized advice on managing debt in rising-rate environments With expert insight, an advisor can help you avoid common pitfalls and align your financial strategy with current economic conditions. Final Thoughts Interest rates may not seem like a personal concern, but they directly affect your finances: from your debt to your savings to your investment portfolio. Understanding how they work and working with a financial advisor can help you make confident, well-timed financial choices in any rate environment. Sources: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interestrate.asp
Retirement represents a pivotal phase in an individual’s life, marked by the transition from employment to a lifestyle supported by accumulated financial resources and personal planning. While often approached primarily through a financial lens, effective retirement planning must also incorporate qualitative factors that influence well-being, identity, and life satisfaction. This article outlines both the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of retirement, emphasizing the importance of a balanced and holistic perspective. Qualitative Aspects Beyond the numbers, retirement is a profound personal and emotional transition that affects daily life, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships. Here are a few aspects that influence a successful retirement transition: 1. Sense of Purpose Many retirees experience a loss of identity upon leaving the workforce. A successful retirement often involves finding new purpose through activities such as volunteering, mentoring, or creative pursuits. 2. Social Engagement Social isolation is a common challenge, particularly for those who derived much of their interaction from the workplace. Maintaining strong social networks contributes significantly to mental health and emotional resilience. 3. Health and Lifestyle Retirement presents an opportunity to focus on physical and mental well-being. Establishing healthy routines, engaging in regular exercise, and pursuing intellectual interests are vital for a high quality of life. 4. Psychological Adjustment The emotional shift into retirement can be complex, requiring time to adjust to a new identity and lifestyle. Gradual retirement or pre-retirement counseling may ease this transition. Quantitative Aspects The quantitative side of retirement focuses on measurable financial and logistical elements essential to sustaining one’s standard of living. 1. Financial Preparedness This includes the evaluation of retirement savings, income streams such as pensions and Social Security, and investment portfolios. 2. Life Expectancy and Longevity Risk With increasing life expectancy, retirees must plan for potentially 25–30 years of post-employment life.1 Longevity risk is the risk of outliving one’s assets and necessitates careful financial forecasting and often calls for conservative investment and withdrawal strategies. 3. Healthcare Costs Healthcare remains one of the most significant expenses in retirement. Retirees must anticipate out-of-pocket costs for insurance premiums, medical procedures, medications, and potential long-term care. Planning for these costs is critical to avoid financial strain later in life. 4. Investment Strategy and Risk Management Retirement typically involves a shift from growth-focused investing to capital preservation. Retirees must balance the need for income generation with the desire to protect against market volatility and inflation. Conclusion A meaningful and secure retirement depends on both quantitative preparation and qualitative enrichment. Financial planning lays the foundation, but personal fulfillment, health, and social engagement define the experience. A truly successful retirement is one that aligns financial stability with purposeful and satisfying living. Source: https://www.dunham.com/FA/Blog/Posts/financial-planning-in-an-era-of-longer-lifespans?ref=dunham.ghost.io
The financial advisory industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rapid advances in technology. Once reliant solely on face-to-face meetings and manual portfolio management, today’s financial advisors are leveraging digital tools to offer smarter, faster, and more personalized financial guidance. Far from replacing financial advisors, technology enhances their capabilities, allowing them to deliver more value to clients, stay compliant, and compete in a fast-changing market. 1. The Digital Shift in Financial Advising The traditional model of financial advising that involves paper documents, in-person meetings, and delayed communications, is becoming obsolete. Clients now expect real-time updates, mobile access, and digitally driven experiences. Advisors who embrace technology are not just meeting these expectations; they’re creating new value. Cloud-based platforms, CRM tools, and secure client portals are streamlining workflows, freeing up more time for relationship-building and strategic planning. 2. Robo-Advisors: Competitor or Complement? Robo-advisors are automated, algorithm-driven investment platforms that were initially seen as a threat to traditional advisors. But the story has changed. Instead of replacing human advisors, robo-advisors are now often integrated into hybrid advisory models, combining the efficiency of automation with the insight of human expertise. For example, financial advisors can use robo platforms to handle routine tasks like portfolio rebalancing or tax-loss harvesting, while focusing their time on complex planning, retirement strategies, and holistic financial coaching. 3. Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics AI is becoming a trusted partner for financial advisors. By analyzing massive amounts of client data, AI tools can uncover patterns, identify risks, and generate tailored recommendations that help advisors offer more proactive and customized advice. With predictive analytics, advisors can forecast life events and suggest actions long before clients even ask. This makes the advisor not just a service provider, but a true financial partner. 4. Client Experience: Personalized, Digital, and On-Demand Modern clients, especially Millennials and Gen Z, expect a digital-first approach to money management. Advisors are meeting this need with client dashboards, mobile apps, and video conferencing tools that make communication fast and convenient. Technologies like e-signatures, digital onboarding, and interactive financial planning software improve transparency and foster engagement. Some advisors even use gamification or AI-powered chatbots to make financial literacy more accessible. 5. Compliance and Cybersecurity in a Digital World As advisors handle more client data online, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance are top priorities. Fortunately, technology also provides solutions here. Compliance tools can monitor communication, generate audit trails, and ensure KYC/AML standards are met with minimal manual input. Secure document storage, multi-factor authentication, and encrypted messaging platforms help advisors build trust and maintain client confidentiality. 6. Open Banking and Financial Integration Tools Thanks to Open Banking and API-driven platforms, advisors can now access clients’ complete financial picture. From banking and loans to retirement accounts and insurance, advisors can get up to date data all in one place without having to ask for updated paper statements. This integrated view allows for holistic planning and better decision-making. Tech-forward advisors are leveraging aggregation tools like eMoney, MoneyGuidePro, or RightCapital to deliver dynamic plans that evolve with clients' goals and can track real time habits of their clients. 7. Fiduciaries vs. Technology? As technology becomes central to financial services and governance, fiduciaries must evolve to meet new standards of care, loyalty, and prudence. Today’s fiduciary responsibilities extend beyond traditional decision-making to include oversight of AI tools, digital platforms, data privacy, and cybersecurity. Whether it’s relying on algorithm-driven investment strategies or evaluating third-party tech vendors, fiduciaries are now expected to exercise digital literacy and ethical judgment in tandem with legal obligations. The rise of opaque algorithms, ESG scoring tools, and automated systems requires not only informed adoption but transparent governance. Technology is no longer a support function it’s becoming a core fiduciary consideration within decision making and putting client’s best interests forward. In conclusion, while some may fear that the integration of technology into the financial sector could diminish control, the reality is quite the opposite. By leveraging advanced tools, advisors are empowered to deliver enhanced, personalized service, allowing them to focus more effectively on their clients and streamline the overall experience. Sources: Nitrogen Launches Its Own AI Notetaker (And More Of The Latest In Financial) Bot Versus Human: For Financial Planning, It’s No Contest Meet the AI agents defining the new customer experience
Managing personal finances does not need to be overwhelming. Achieving long-term financial goals often begins with simple steps, such as creating a budget and implementing effective debt management strategies. By adopting a few disciplined habits, you can establish a strong financial foundation, reduce stress, and move closer to financial independence. Whether you're just getting started or seeking to refine your approach, consider these five key steps to strengthen your financial well-being: 1. Set Clear Financial Goals Before creating a budget or starting to save, take time to clearly define your financial goals. It's difficult to make meaningful progress without a clear direction. Identify what you want to achieve. Whether it’s paying off debt, purchasing a home, or building an emergency fund, categorizing your goals by timeframe: short-term (1–2 years), medium-term (3–5 years), and long-term (10+ years) can help give direction to which order your goals should fall. Well-defined, measurable goals provide clarity, purpose, and motivation to stay on track. 2. Track Your Spending You can’t fix what you can’t see. Begin by tracking all your income and expenses for a month to gain a clear picture of your financial habits. Whether you use budgeting apps, spreadsheets, or simply pen and paper, the goal is to identify spending patterns, highlight areas for improvement, and uncover potential savings opportunities. 3. Create a Simple Budget A budget is a strategic plan for managing your finances. To create one, begin with your total income, deduct your fixed expenses, such as rent, utilities, and other essential bills, then allocate the remaining funds toward financial goals, savings, and discretionary spending. The 50/30/20 rule is a great place to start: 50% needs 30% wants 20% savings/debt repayment Remember, this is a general structure to help give an idea. Adjust as needed to fit your life. 4. Build an Emergency Fund An emergency fund is your financial safety net. Aim to save at least a measurable, fixed dollar amount to start, then work up to 3–6 months of living expenses. Keep it in a high-yield savings or checking account so it is accessible, but out of everyday reach. This fund keeps unexpected expenses from turning into debt or even more stress. 5. Pay Off Debt and Start Investing Focus on high-interest debt first, like credit cards. Then, compare which debt is ok with sticking around by seeing if it is Good Debt or Bad Debt. A good way to do this is by measuring the life of the item that has the debt associated with it and how long you plan to use said item. For example, a mortgage on a home is Good Debt. A home is an appreciating asset that most people will use for many years. A high-interest personal loan is an example of Bad Debt. Credit cards are the perfect example of this. A common tactic used to get Bad Debts under control is the debt snowball. This approach involves focusing on paying off the smallest balances first while maintaining minimum payments on larger debts. As each balance is eliminated, the freed-up funds are rolled into the next smallest debt, creating a compounding effect. This method builds momentum and motivation, helping you stay engaged as payments grow and debts are steadily eliminated. Once debt is under control, investing in the future is the next step. Use retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs for long-term, tax beneficial growth. Time and consistency are your best friends when planning.
Risk management in financial planning is the process of understanding potential financial threats, evaluating their significance, and taking proactive steps to reduce their impact. These risks may arise from changes in the market, unexpected personal challenges, rising costs, tax implications, or broader economic changes. While it’s not possible to eliminate risk completely, effective financial planning helps you anticipate challenges, reduce their severity, manage their effects, and recover more effectively when setbacks occur. Why Risk Management Is Crucial 1. Preserves Your Capital The first rule of investing is often, “Don’t take losses.” Risk management helps protect your principal, so you're not forced to sell after a major loss. 2. Keeps Emotions in Check Fear and greed drive many poor financial decisions. With a risk management strategy in place, you’re less likely to panic during market volatility or chase unrealistic gains. 3. Improves Financial Resilience Life is unpredictable, and events like job loss, health emergencies, or market downturns can quickly disrupt your plans if you're not prepared. Risk management helps create a financial cushion, giving you the stability to navigate these challenges more confidently. 4. Ensures Long-Term Growth A well-balanced approach to risk helps you stay invested for the long term, which is where real wealth accumulation happens. It prevents overexposure to risk while still allowing growth. 5. Aligns Your Portfolio with Your Life Goals Not every investor is trying to beat the market. Some just want a comfortable retirement or a college fund for their kids. Managing risk aligns your financial plan with your goals and time horizons. Core Risk Management Strategies 1. Asset Allocation Asset allocation refers to how you distribute your investments across different asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. A younger investor may choose a higher proportion of stocks to pursue growth over a longer time horizon. In contrast, someone approaching retirement is more likely to prioritize stability and capital preservation by allocating more to bonds or dividend-paying stocks. 2. Diversification Even within an asset class, spreading your investments across industries, geographies, and types of securities can reduce the risk of any one failure hurting your portfolio. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. 3. Insurance Planning Life, health, disability, and property insurance all protect against unexpected events that can have a major financial impact. 4. Emergency Fund This is your first line of defense against sudden expenses or income loss. A fully funded emergency reserve helps you avoid tapping into your investments during downturns. 5. Contingency Planning A good financial plan includes backup strategies for major life events, such as losing a job, dealing with illness, or supporting a family member. Having backup plans in place can help you stay focused and make clear decisions, even when emotions are running high. 6. Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing Market changes may shift your portfolio away from your desired risk level. Rebalancing brings it back in line and helps manage risk over time. Risk Management at Different Life Stages Risk tolerance and financial priorities often evolve with age, but everyone is different. The following examples offer a general framework to help assess an appropriate level of risk based on your stage in life: In your 20s–30s: You can typically afford to take more investment risk (long time horizon). In your 40s–50s: Risk should be more balanced. Growth is still important, but so is preservation and protection of principal. In your 60s and beyond: Capital protection and income become more critical than aggressive growth. Preservation of funds is of utmost importance. A financial plan that adapts to each stage of life while maintaining a focus on risk management is both effective and prudent. Make Risk Work For You, Not Against You Risk in financial planning is not inherently negative; in fact, it is often a key driver of wealth creation and a necessary element in achieving long-term goals. When managed effectively, risk can present valuable opportunities. However, unmanaged risk can lead to significant setbacks. Through thoughtful planning and the use of appropriate risk management strategies, you can navigate uncertainty with greater confidence and make informed decisions that align with your objectives. Ultimately, risk management is not just about minimizing losses, but about building a resilient and adaptable financial plan capable of withstanding challenges and continuing to grow over time.
When it comes to preparing for retirement, Social Security often serves as the foundation of most Americans' retirement income. While it was never intended to be the sole source of income in retirement, Social Security remains a vital component in any comprehensive financial plan. Understanding how it fits into your retirement strategy and how to maximize its benefits can make a significant difference in your long-term financial security. The Role of Social Security in Retirement Planning Social Security is a government-administered insurance program that provides guaranteed monthly income based on your lifetime earnings and contributions through payroll taxes. For many retirees, it accounts for a significant portion of their income. According to the Social Security Administration, the program replaces about 40% of the average worker’s pre-retirement income. For lower-income earners, that percentage may be even higher(1). However, to build a stable and sufficient retirement income, Social Security should be considered one part of a three-legged stool, along with personal savings (such as IRAs or 401(k)s) and employer-sponsored pensions or retirement plans. As pensions are starting to phase out, items like an emergency fund or money market funds are becoming more and more important to help with budgeting and immediate expenses. Key Planning Considerations 1. Timing Your Claim Strategically One of the most important decisions in retirement planning is when to begin collecting Social Security benefits. You can start receiving benefits as early as age 62, but doing so will reduce your monthly benefit by ~30% permanently. Conversely, delaying benefits beyond your full retirement age can increase your benefit by up to 8% per year until age 70 (2). Factors to consider: Life expectancy and health status Employment plans after age 62 Need for immediate income vs. long-term income security Spousal or survivor benefits 2. Understanding Spousal and Survivor Benefits Social Security also offers benefits for spouses, ex-spouses, and survivors. If you are married, you may be entitled to receive up to 50% of your spouse's benefit, and surviving spouses may receive their deceased spouse’s full benefit if it is higher than their own. In retirement planning, it’s important to coordinate benefits between spouses to optimize household income, especially when one partner has significantly higher lifetime earnings. 3. Tax Implications Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on your total income. If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + 50% of your Social Security benefits) exceeds certain thresholds, you could pay tax on up to 85% of your benefits. A tax-aware retirement income plan can help minimize taxes and stretch your retirement dollars further. With the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ now becoming law, from 2025-2028 seniors age 65 and older will get an additional $6,000 deduction to use on their taxes if their adjusted gross income is below $75,000 ($150,000 for married) (3). This new law will have an impact on whose Social Security will be exposed to being taxable and whose will not. 4. Inflation Protection One of the advantages of Social Security is that it is adjusted annually for inflation through cost-of-living adjustments. This built-in inflation protection makes it a reliable income stream in retirement and helps preserve purchasing power over time, something few private annuities or pension plans offer. Integrating Social Security into Your Financial Plan Incorporating Social Security into your broader financial plan requires careful analysis of your income needs, expected expenses, other retirement assets, and goals. A few best practices include: Estimating future benefits using tools like the SSA’s online calculator or statements from your "my Social Security" account. Running scenarios to test different claiming ages and how they impact long-term financial outcomes. Coordinating with other income sources to create a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy. Consulting a financial planner to tailor your strategy based on your personal needs. The Bottom Line Social Security is more than just a monthly check; it’s a critical asset in your retirement portfolio. Making informed decisions about when and how to claim your benefits can significantly impact your financial well-being over the course of your retirement. While you can't control market returns or interest rates, you can control your Social Security strategy. Used wisely, it can enhance your income security and provide peace of mind as you transition into retirement. Sources: 1: https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssb/v72n3/v72n3p37.html 2: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html 3: http://irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-tax-deductions-for-working-americans-and-seniors This is not an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. Material is meant to provide general information and it is not to be construed as specific investment, tax or legal advice. The information has been compiled from third party sources. Keep in mind that current and historical facts may not be indicative of future results. Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2, available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure website, https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/123807 .