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The Unintended Consequences of Social Security’s Survivor Benefits- Season 5: Episode 2

You may have heard that Social Security provides a “survivor benefit,” which allows a surviving spouse to continue to receive their deceased spouse’s benefits. The original intention (back in 1940) was to ensure that widows would not be left without a Social Security payment.

Today, though, with many dual-working households (and thus two Social Security benefits), those same survivor benefit rules may actually cause the survivor to take a cut in benefits — in some cases, by nearly 50%.

How is that possible? And, even more importantly, how can you strategize to keep this from happening? Join show host/podcast moderator Johnny Dean and his guest, “Professor” Rick Plum, CFP®, as they discuss ways to potentially mitigate what has turned out to be an unintended consequence of Social Security’s survivor benefits on this week’s episode of Managing Your Financial Future.

Important Information:

The information provided should not be considered specific tax, legal, or investment advice and is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.

Different types of investments and/or investment strategies involve varying levels of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments purchased and/or investment strategies devised by Lucia Capital Group (“LCG”)) will be either suitable or profitable for a client's or prospective client's portfolio, thus, investments may result in a loss of principal. Accordingly, no client or prospective client should assume that the presentation (or any component thereof) serves as the receipt of, or a substitute for, personalized advice from LCG or from any other investment professional.

You should always seek counsel of the appropriate advisor prior to making any investment decision. All investments are subject to risk including the loss of principal. This material was gathered from sources believed to be reliable, however, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable—we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

The information provided is based on current laws, which are subject to change at any time. Lucia Capital Group is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.

Social Security rules can be complex. For more information about Social Security benefits, visit the SSA website at www.ssa.gov, or call (800) 772-1213 to speak with an SSA representative.

Rick Plum is a registered representative with, and securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor and member FINRA/SIPC. The investment professionals are affiliated with LPL Financial and are conducting business using the name Lucia Capital Group, a separate entity from LPL Financial.

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