474 | Social Security Deep Dive | Denis Shapiro

20 snips

Jan 29, 2024

Denis Shapiro, owner of Financial Security Advocates, discusses the importance of Social Security benefits in FI planning. The podcast covers misconceptions about Social Security, calculating benefits, earning inclusion for small business owners, benefits for divorced spouses, filing strategies, and Medicare. Listeners are encouraged to visit ssa.gov, reach out to Financial Security Advocates, and join the ChooseFI community.

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INSIGHT

SSDI Eligibility

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) covers inability to perform "substantial gainful activity" due to physical or mental ailments.
Even those who've left their jobs can qualify for SSDI within a five-year window if they become disabled.

INSIGHT

Verify Social Security Earnings

Verify Social Security earnings annually by checking your tax return (Schedule SE) against your SSA.gov statement.
Ensure accurate reporting, especially for self-employed individuals, as discrepancies can impact future benefits.

ADVICE

Prioritize Disability Coverage

When self-employed, prioritize maintaining Social Security disability insurance coverage over minimizing taxes.
Paying slightly higher taxes can preserve crucial disability benefits in case of unforeseen circumstances.

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In this episode: social security, disability, calculating social security, claiming social security, and due diligence.

This week we are joined by listener and owner of Financial Security Advocates Dennis Shapiro, to talk thru some of the insights and misconceptions surrounding Social Security Benefits, and what factors and resources you should consider while approaching retirement. The beauty of FI is that it opens up opportunities for you to retire early, but oftentimes we don’t consider how retiring early or even starting your own small business can impact your Social Security. While there is no true way of mastering the system to get the most benefit, there are many ways to prepare and plan in order to get the most out of your social security benefits! Remember, these benefits are not just safety nets when it comes time to retire, but can be an additional tool for investment that keeps you comfortable in your FI.

Denis Shapiro:

Website: fsadvocates.com

Timestamps:

1:16 - Introduction
5:10 - What Pays for Social Security?
11:13 - Social Security and FI/Disability Insurance
17:30 - What Earnings Go Towards Social Security?
23:19 - Disability, Work Subsidies, and Income Related Work Expense
29:03 - How Social Security Benefits Are Calculated
37:05 - Claiming Social Security
39:59 - Social Security and Medicare
44:28 - Social Security and Due Diligence
56:27 - Working and Disability Benefits
59:59 - Conclusion

Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: