The $140,000 Social Security Mistake 96% of People Make | Thomas Drapala

Sep 22, 2026

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Social Security analyst Thomas Drapala breaks down how the average person leaves $140,000 on the table by claiming Social Security without a plan. Caleb Guilliams and Thomas walk through why 96% of people get this decision wrong, the difference between optimizing and maximizing your benefit, and the real questions you should be asking before you file. If you're within a few years of retirement, this is the framework nobody sat you down to explain.

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro

08:21 Why Social Security Planning Matters?

17:27 I Social Security Running Out?

26:10 Social Security Overpayment and Mistakes

32:32 Key Social Security Terms and Rules

40:52 Types of Social Security Benefits

53:03 Survivor Benefits and Special Rules

1:03:49 The Earnings Test and Limits

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