What Happens If You Lack 35 Earning Years

Forget the race for the biggest Social Security check. The real question isn’t how high your benefit can go, it’s how well it fits your life, taxes, and long-term plan.

In this episode, James breaks down how the timing of your claim shapes everything: portfolio resilience, tax efficiency, survivor benefits, and the freedom to retire when you want, not when the system says you should.

Starting with the foundation (your 35 highest earning years) we unpack what really happens when you claim early, wait for full retirement age, or delay until 70. You’ll hear how each path affects your taxable income, Roth conversion opportunities, and even the size of your surviving spouse’s check.

It’s not about chasing an 8% “return” on delay; it’s about coordination. For those with meaningful savings in 401(k)s or IRAs, waiting can unlock a powerful tax window that permanently lowers RMDs. And for those still working or navigating a market downturn, claiming early can sometimes protect your portfolio from harmful withdrawals.

By the end, you’ll see how aligning Social Security with your health, income sources, and retirement goals builds an income floor that funds confidence, not just checks.

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The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

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Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

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