April is National Social Security Month! According to Nationwide’s 8th Annual Social Security Consumer Survey, more than half of Americans express confidence that they know exactly how to optimize their Social Security benefits. However, only 6% actually understand all the factors that determine the maximum benefit someone can receive. In addition, the report highlighted additional knowledge gaps:
A full 39% don’t know at what age they are eligible to receive their full benefits.
Just over half (51%) do not have a clear understanding of how much they will receive in future income.
Over a third (37%) incorrectly assume that Social Security benefits are not protected against inflation.
Nearly half (45%) mistakenly believe if they claim their benefits early, their benefits will go up automatically when they reach full retirement age.
By mastering these lessons, you’ll immediately go to the head of the class for retirement planning!
Match your birth year to the full retirement ages shown below:
The rule of thumb is that you’ll need to replace about 75%–80% of your preretirement income. Social Security will help fund part of your income needs, generally somewhere between 25%–40% (depending on your earnings history). Your personal savings and retirement account will have to make up the difference.
Age 62 is the minimum age at which you can choose to begin receiving Social Security benefits. However, the math is pretty black and white: claiming earlier gives you a reduced benefit and claiming later gives you an increased benefit. For each year you postpone taking your benefit (until age 70), your monthly check will be larger. Check out the Social Security Benefits planner (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/) for more comprehensive information, including calculators and other resources.
For 2022, the Social Security Administration is paying out a cost-of-living adjustment of 5.9%. In planning for your retirement income, it’s important to note that any cost-of-living adjustment from the Social Security Administration can vary each year and is not guaranteed. Cost-of-living adjustments are typically announced in October of each year.
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.
Kmotion, Inc., 412 Beavercreek Road, Suite 611, Oregon City, OR 97045; www.kmotion.com
©2021 Kmotion, Inc. This newsletter is a publication of Kmotion, Inc., whose role is solely that of publisher. The articles and opinions in this newsletter are those of Kmotion. The articles and opinions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Nothing in this publication shall be construed as providing investment counseling or directing employees to participate in any investment program in any way. Please consult your financial advisor or other appropriate professional for further assistance with regard to your individual situation.
RP-734-0821 Tracking #1-05184194 (Exp. 08/22)