Social Security planning to maximize lifetime benefits
We analyze claiming ages, spousal and survivor options, and tax impacts to help you select the Social Security strategy that maximizes lifetime benefits and fits your broader retirement income plan.
The Importance of Timing
Choose an age that fits your plan
Claiming at 62 reduces monthly benefits, while waiting toward 70 increases them each year you delay. Wealth Solutions analyzes your health, work plans, and portfolio so the timing decision supports long-term income in Austin, The Woodlands, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. The outcome is a clear path that works with retirement income planning rather than apart from it.
Active management vs. passive
Why we choose active oversight
Index funds have a place, but retirees in Texas often benefit from active decisions that balance income needs with risk. We don’t chase every market move; we make informed adjustments to manage drawdowns and capture opportunity. This hands-on approach is led by Richard Blair and reflected in our proprietary funds as well as individual securities where appropriate.
From paperwork to portfolio in one plan
How the rollover works
Review your accounts
We inventory plans and balances, including any 401(k), 403(b), SIMPLE, or governmental 457 assets, plus employer stock considerations.
Compare options
Keep funds in the old plan, roll to a new employer plan, or move to an IRA. We outline costs, creditor protections, and flexibility.
Choose IRA and investments
If an IRA is best, we set up the account and design an allocation that fits your broader plan.
Handle the paperwork
We coordinate a trustee-to-trustee transfer to avoid withholding and the 60-day rule.
Reinvest and align
Once assets arrive, we implement the strategy and connect it to your household plan in your client portal.
Your situation, quantified
How we weigh the variables
We account for longevity expectations, survivor needs, current income, and taxes. For couples, we often prioritize the higher earner’s benefit to support survivor income. If you plan to keep working before full retirement age, we factor in the earnings test and how it affects near-term cash flow.
Spousal and Survivor Benefits
Strategies for couples and survivors
Married couples can mix timing to boost total lifetime benefits. We also review strategies for widows, widowers, and those divorced after a 10-year marriage. The goal is to support both spouses today and the surviving spouse later with the strongest possible benefit.
Taxation of Benefits
How taxes affect Social Security
Up to 85 percent of benefits may be taxable depending on other income. We coordinate withdrawals and conversions so your provisional income stays sensible. For the broader tax picture, see tax planning.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Mistakes we help you avoid
Common pitfalls include filing too early out of fear, ignoring survivor planning, and overlooking the earnings test. We provide a breakeven analysis and show how different ages affect lifetime totals so the choice is informed and calm.
From analysis to action
Our Social Security planning process
We gather your SSA statement, model claiming ages, and review options in plain language. Then we coordinate benefits with your portfolio withdrawals and healthcare decisions so your monthly income is predictable. For income design across all accounts, read about withdrawal strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers for your decision
Can I work and claim at the same time?
Yes, but benefits may be reduced before full retirement age under the earnings test. After FRA, you can earn without reduction.
What if I filed too early?
Within 12 months you may withdraw your application and repay benefits to reset. At FRA you may suspend to earn delayed credits.
Is Social Security enough by itself?
It is a base. We coordinate other income sources so your lifestyle stays funded even when costs rise.