Social Security is one of the biggest financial decisions of your retirement. Make sure you get it right.
In 1 hour, Brad Lineberger, Matt Callahan, and special guest Christopher Lanfranca walk you through every key decision:
When to claim, and the real cost of getting it wrong
Spousal and survivor benefit strategies
How up to 85% of your benefit may be taxable
The earnings test - what it means if you're still working
The Fairness Act changes that may have increased your benefit
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Five strategies you'll walk away knowing -
and be able to act on.
This isn't a general overview. Brad, Matt, and Chris cover five specific, actionable areas that directly affect
how much Social Security income you receive, and for how long.
When to claim
Claiming early permanently reduces your benefit. Delaying increases it up to age 70. You'll learn how to work through the right timing decision for your specific health, income, and family situation.
Spousal and survivor benefits
Spousal benefits are 50% of the worker's PIA - not their age-70 amount. Survivor benefits depend on when and how the higher earner claimed. You'll learn the sequencing decisions that protect your family's long-term income.
The earnings test
Earning above $23,400 (2025) before full retirement age temporarily reduces your benefit. You'll learn how to time retirement and claiming so you're not caught off guard.
Correcting a claiming mistake
Two options exist: withdraw your application within 12 months (repaying benefits received), or suspend benefits at or after full retirement age to resume accruing delayed credits.
Spousal and survivor benefits
Spousal benefits are 50% of the worker's PIA - not their age-70 amount. Survivor benefits depend on when and how the higher earner claimed. You'll learn the sequencing decisions that protect your family's long-term income.
WHY THIS MATTERS RIGHT NOW
Most people make this decision once.
The stakes are higher than they realise.
The gap between a thoughtful, personalized strategy and a guess based on rules of thumb can mean thousands of dollars in lost income every year, for the rest of your life.
Rules of thumb don't work here
The most common mistake is failing to build a plan around your actual life - your life expectancy, income needs, and the real trade-offs between claiming early or delaying. What worked for your neighbour may cost you.
Your SSA statement might be overstated
Statements from ssa.gov assume you'll keep working at your current salary until age 70. If you plan to retire before that, your actual benefit will likely be lower than the number on the page.
Up to 85% of your benefit may be taxable
Most people don't realise Social Security can be taxed. Based on your provisional income - earnings, 50% of your benefit, and tax-exempt interest - up to 85% may be subject to federal tax. Planning for this changes the picture significantly.
The Fairness Act changed benefits for millions
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) have been eliminated. If you or your spouse worked in a government role, your benefit may be higher than you were previously told.
Social Security will continue - plan for it
Even if the trust fund faces future pressure, payroll taxes ensure the programme continues to pay a significant portion of benefits. Excluding Social Security from your retirement plan is not conservative - it's a mistake.
A note on SSA representatives
SSA staff can help process your application — but they are not permitted to give personal claiming advice. Understanding your options before you walk in is essential. That's exactly what this webinar is designed to do.
ABOUT SEASIDE WEALTH MANAGEMENT
The friendly neighbourhood financial planners - with world-class rigour behind them.
Carlsbad, California. Serving pre-retirees and retirees in person and digitally since 2011. Educators first. Salespeople never.
300+
Households successfully served
15+ Years
Helping families retire confidently
$460M+
In assets managed with care
~20
Community education events per year
In our estimation the most important qualities for a financial advisor are integrity,
dedication, and communication skills. Brad is excellent in all of these areas.
As a result, we have three generations of our family happily working with Brad and the Seaside team.
Jeff
Brad and his team are the best.
I met Brad at a seminar he conducts for future retirees - it was a wealth of knowledge.
Hiring him will be one of the best decisions you can make for your future.
Rick
Matt did a superior job explaining my financial portfolio.
I feel very confident about my financial future.
The Seaside team is very professional and knowledgeable. I highly recommend them.
Jann
Anyone looking for an advisory team who puts your priorities first over profits - don't need to look any further.
Excellent service, excellent results.
Jose
Brad took the time to get to know us personally and crafted a portfolio that meets our needs.
Seaside provides information on a wide range of topics too - not just what's happening in the market.
Marcie
Brad founded Seaside Wealth Management to help people get more out of life with their money,
not chasing wealth or status, but helping them live the life they worked so hard to build.
WEBINAR SPEAKERS:
Brad Lineberger, CFP®, ChFC®, AIF®
President & FOUNDER,
Seaside Wealth Management
Teaches Retirement Planning at Mira Costa College.
Matt Callahan, CFP®, ChFC®, CPWA®
wealth manager,
seaside wealth management
Specialises in retirement income planning and tax strategy.
Christopher
Lanfranca
Senior Financial Planner, T. Rowe Price
Nearly a decade working with Social Security Analyzer, helping tens of thousands with their claiming decisions.
Social Security is a decision you make once. Make it with three experts in your corner.
Watch the free 1-hour webinar and walk away knowing when to claim, how to protect your spouse's income, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost people thousands in lifetime benefits.
