Social Security Consultant Near Me
Social security consultants near me in Crestwood, MO. While it may be comforting that the federal government provides an income for workers after we've left the workforce, retirement planning is still necessary to live the golden years you want. Experienced Social Security consultants in Crestwood, MO can help you not just maximize your Social Security benefits, but design a comprehensive retirement plan that includes income from a variety of sources. At Correct Capital Wealth Management, we get to know our clients personally and come up with a plan they're involved in so they feel confident about where their retirement income will come from.
According to the Social Security Administration's 2022 Fact Sheet, Social Security represents about 30% of income for the elderly. You must claim the maximum benefits you are eligible for when you first file. Whether you envision remaining in the workforce for several more years, or just need someone to look over your plan to ensure you have things lined up right for when you claim benefits next year, reach out to Correct Capital's Crestwood, MO Social Security consultants and fiduciary advisors today at 877-930-4015 or fill out our online form.
7 Ways to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits in Crestwood, MO
While a retirement plan that truly allows you to live the golden years dreamed of will include income from employer-backed plans, IRAs, and other accounts, you'll still want to make sure you're getting the most out of Social Security. Below, we've listed seven time-tested methods for any retiree to get the most out of their income from Social Security:
- Wait to Claim Benefits
- Work at Least 35 Full Years
- Earn More Money
- Claim Spousal Benefits
- Avoid Social Security Taxes
- Double-Check the Social Security Administration's Work
- Hire a Qualified Social Security Consultant
1. Wait to Claim Benefits
A Schroders 2022 U.S. Retirement Survey stated that almost 90% of non-retired Americans aged 45 and older understand that remaining in the workforce for longer will increase their payout, yet only one out of 10 plan to wait until age 70.
Under the rules set forth in the Social Security Amendments of 1983, any retiree born in 1960 or later has a full retirement age of 67. If you leave the workforce at 62, the earliest you can apply for benefits, your payout would be lowered by 30%, and your spouse's by 35%. If you wait until age 70 to claim, you receive delayed retirement benefits, which would increase your benefit by around 77% compared to age 62.
The maximum benefits at different ages in 2022 are:
- $2,364 a month if you retire at 62
- $3,345 a month if you retire at 70
- $4,194 a month if you retire at 70
Obviously, you might want to trade off the extra money with other life goals, such as spending more time with your Crestwood, MO family or finally visiting those dream vacation spots. But you still need to understand what retiring at what age will mean for your benefits, and to discuss with your financial advisor if it's worth waiting a few extra years to unlock the higher benefits.
2. Work at Least 35 Full Years
The Social Security Administration computes how much you'll receive for your Social Security income by using "average indexed monthly earnings" (AIME). AIME considers the 35 years you had the highest income. If you are in the workforce for less than 35 years, the years you didn't work count for nothing. If you earned an income in more than 35 years, your higher earning years will cancel out the years you earned the least, boosting your monthly check.
If you remain in the Crestwood, MO workforce after you've started receiving Social Security, those years will count towards your AIME once you start claiming full benefits.
3. Earn More Money
While this is a no-brainer, it's also considerably helpful in increasing how much you eventually receive. The more you earn, the higher the Social Security Administration will calculate your benefits, and the more you'll pay in Social Security taxes. Both of those factors help determine if you're able to receive the highest possible Social Security income. So, if you needed more motivation to seek raises or better-paying jobs, now you have it. However, earnings over a specific amount are not factored into your retirement benefits. In 2023, income over $160,200 will not be calculated.
4. Claim Spousal Benefits
If both spouses worked, the spouse who earned less can claim claim Social Security through their own work history, or up to half of the higher earner's benefits, whichever is higher. Just like when claiming your own benefits, it's advisable to hold off on claiming until the full retirement age to get the full 50%.
If your spouse is deceased, you're also eligible for survivor's benefits. You can start claiming that benefit at age 60 (although like retirement and spousal benefits, it will be reduced) and later elect for your benefit if your work record provides a larger check.
5. Avoid Paying Too Much in Social Security Taxes
Tax planning is an important part of any financial consideration, including once we retire. You may have to pay taxed if you claim benefits in Crestwood, MO before your full retirement age and plan to continue working after you start claiming benefits. When calculating how much your benefits will be taxed, the IRS will add up your nontaxable income, half your Social Security benefit, and your adjusted gross income.If that sum is below $25,000 for individuals or $32,000 for joint filers, you will not pay federal tax on your Social Security. Between $25,000 and $34,000 for individuals and $32,000 and $44,000 for joint filers, up to half your benefit can be taxed by the federal government. If your income is more than that, up to 85% of your benefit can be taxed.
Your benefits may also be subject to state taxes in Missouri.
Similarly, if you keep working after claiming Social Security, you could unintentionally bump yourself into a higher tax bracket.
6. Double-Check the Social Security Administration's Work
Each year, you receive a Social Security statement which how much money you earned and how much you paid in Social Security taxes. Check the Social Security Administration's records against your W2, pay stubs, or tax returns. Notify the SSA if there is a discrepancy in your income or how much Social Security taxes you paid. You'll want your highest earning years to be recorded for when the administration calculates your AIME.
7. Hire a Qualified Crestwood, MO Social Security Consultant
It's hard to replace the knowledge and experience of any professional in a given field, and many individuals and families in Crestwood, MO retirement planning and Social Security benefits themselves, whether because of time, know-how, or interest. With the day-to-day grind of growing professionally and providing for your family, it's not hard to let something important like Social Security planning get forgotten among other things when it's still years or decades until you'll start receiving benefits. Correct Capital's team of Crestwood, MO Social Security consultants has over 75 years of combined experience helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve the retirement of their dreams, and have peace of mind about their financial future. Our team is made up of award-winning advisors and a committed support staff, all with the experience, knowledge, and drive needed to deliver positive client experiences. Through prudent tax planning, active asset management, and other services in Crestwood, MO such as 401(k) rollover, we'll do our part to give you a financially secure and happy retirement.
For more help with your retirement planning needs in Crestwood, MO, check out Correct Capital's and Savology's free online retirement retirement planning tool, or schedule an appointment with one of our advisors today.
Other services we offer in Crestwood, MO include:
- Succession Planning
- Fiduciary Financial Advisor
- Company 401(k) Plans
- ESOP Advisor
- Self-Employed Retirement Plans
- 401(k) For Small Business
- Small Business Retirement Plans
- Tax Planning
Social Security Consultants Near Me in Crestwood, MO | Correct Capital Wealth Management
At Correct Capital, our Crestwood, MO Social Security consultants, financial advisors, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals do more than just optimize your Social Security check. We create a holistic, tailored financial plan for you to ensure the retirement funds in all your accounts are best positioned for long-term growth and stability. Reach out to Correct Capital today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online for dependable, experienced, and trustworthy Social Security consultants in Crestwood, MO.
