Social Security provisions are so nuanced and difficult to understand that they are sure to make anyone go mad. That’s why Larry Kotlikoff has three general rules, which if followed, can help maximize Social Security benefits without the headache.
Get The Rundown form PBS’ Larry Kotlikoff:
Rule A: Take Social Security’s really good deal, namely waiting to collect much higher benefits, over somewhat fewer years.
Rule B: Take spousal, survivor, mother/father, and child benefits, which may be available to you based on your current or former spouse’s earnings history.
Rule C: Make sure that following Rule A doesn’t undermine following Rule B and vice versa.
Read on and see why this can lead to higher benefits: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/03/three-rules-for-how-to-get-the-highest-social-security-benefits.html?type=quicklink
Regards,
Brian