Effective Strategies for Couples to Maximize Social Security Planning

Planning for Social Security can be complex, especially for couples who want to maximize their benefits and ensure financial stability in retirement.  Social security is a key part of your overall financial picture upon retirement and, like all other areas of your finances, having a plan in place will allow for a smooth transition.  It is important to understand how the benefits work and how the timing of when you begin to receive benefits can affect benefit amount. There are many other factors to take into consideration including life expectancy, additional sources of income, and whether you will continue to work.  

In this course we will review basic social security planning and the best times to claim. Also, will explain how to coordinate benefits effectively and strategies to optimize your benefits.

• What Is The Maximum Social Security Benefit For Married Couples?
  
• How Can You Maximize Your Benefits As A Couple?
• When Should Both Spouses Claim Social Security?
• Understanding How Your Benefit Is Calculated
• Understand claiming penalties and credits
• Spousal Benefits: What's Important to Know
• What Can You Do To Bridge The Social Security Gap?
• Can Unmarried, Long-Term Partners Benefit From The Same Benefits As Married Couples?
• When Should Couples Start Social Security? Strategies to Maximize Benefits
• When Should the High-PIA Spouse Claim Benefits?
• Delaying Social Security Maximize your Benefits?
• Common Scenarios to Delay Social Security Benefits 

Credits and Other information:

• Recommended CPE credit – 2.0
  
• Recommended field of study – Taxes
• Session Prerequisites and preparation: None
• Session learning level: Basic
• Location: Virtual/Online
• Delivery method: Group Internet Based
• NASBA Sponsor: 146439
• IRS Course ID: PJGWS
• Attendance Requirement:  Yes
• Session Duration: 2 Hours
• Case Studies and Live Q&A session with speaker
  
• PowerPoint presentation for reference

Who Will Benefit:

• Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
  
• Enrolled Agents (EAs)
• Tax Professionals
• Tax Attorneys
• Tax Compliance Managers
• Other Tax Preparers
• Accountants

Coder Archives is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Speaker Profile:

Beza Asrat, CPA, CGMA is a Senior Tax Manager with HLB Gross Collins P.C. where she offers deep insight and knowledge of the complex and ever-changing tax code. She is committed to implementing optimal tax solutions that will bring about the most favorable results for her clients' financial health. She works with many businesses and high net-worth individuals in implementing effective tax strategies, understanding that each client's situation is unique and there is no "one size fits all" solution. Her knowledge of the multiple facets of the tax code allows her to identify customized solutions for each client she serves.

Beza is passionate about financial literacy and is a Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant as well as a Certified Financial Education Instructor. She provides training for young adults and adults on various topics related to personal finance. Additionally, she educates retirees and those preparing for retirement on Social Security planning to raise awareness and maximize their benefits.

She earned her B.A. in Management and Accounting from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She is a member of the Georgia Society of CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).