Make Social Security Part of a
Bigger Retirement Strategy
Social Security can be an important source of retirement income, but deciding when and how to claim benefits is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all decision.
At Ascend Financial Partners, we help individuals and families throughout Northeast Ohio consider Social Security within the context of their broader retirement strategy.
The goal is not simply to look at Social Security in isolation. It's to understand how it fits with your other income sources, investments, retirement accounts and goals.
Social Security Is One Piece of the Puzzle
Your Social Security decision can intersect with other retirement decisions.
Depending on your circumstances, conversations may include:
- When to consider claiming benefits
- How Social Security fits with other retirement income
- How married couples may approach benefits
- How retirement timing affects your overall strategy
- How taxes and other income sources may factor into the conversation
Questions We Help You Consider
- When should I consider claiming Social Security
- How does Social Security fit with my retirement income?
- Should I coordinate my Social Security decision with my investment withdrawals?
- How might my spouse's benefits factor into the decision?
- What other income sources should I consider?
- What information should I review before making a claiming decision?
A Personalized Approach
There isn't one Social Security claiming strategy that is appropriate for every person.
Your age, income, retirement timing, family circumstances and broader financial plan can all be relevant. Ascend's approach is to consider Social Security as part of the bigger picture rather than treating the decision as a standalone calculation.
The current site also provides a direct link for clients to access their Social Security information through the Social Security Administration.
How Social Security Fits Into Your Financial Plan
Retirement Planning
Social Security can be considered alongside your broader retirement income strategy.
Portfolio Management
Investment withdrawals may interact with the timing and role of Social Security income.
Tax
Strategies
Your overall income picture can have tax considerations that should be discussed with your tax professional.
Lifestyle Planning
Your desired retirement lifestyle can help put income needs into context.
Social Security Planning in Northeast Ohio
Ascend Financial Partners works with individuals and families throughout Northeast Ohio, including Akron and Summit County. We focus on understanding your individual circumstances so Social Security can be considered within the context of the retirement you're planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I claim Social Security?
- The appropriate timing depends on your individual circumstances and broader retirement strategy.
Can Social Security be part of a retirement income plan?
- Yes. Social Security can be considered alongside investments, retirement accounts and other potential sources of income.
Should married couples plan Social Security together?
- For married individuals, each person's circumstances can affect the broader household retirement picture, making coordination an important consideration.
Can taxes affect Social Security planning?
- Taxes may be relevant depending on your overall income and circumstances. Specific tax questions should be addressed with a qualified tax professional.
Does Ascend provide Social Security claiming advice?
- Ascend can help clients consider Social Security as part of broader financial planning. The site's disclosures clarify that Social Security claiming advice is not offered through or supervised by Lincoln Investment.