Social Security Survivor Benefits Case Study: Avoiding Costly Claiming Mistakes | Nick DeVito, CFP

Social Security Survivor Benefits Case Study: Avoiding Costly Claiming Mistakes | Nick DeVito, CFP

From Financial Planning Explained by financialplanningexplained

June 23, 2026 · 31 min · Episode 228

About this episode

The episode discusses a case study on Social Security Survivor Benefits and the impact of claiming decisions on retirement income and financial security.

This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Nick DeVito, CFP® walk through a real-world Social Security Survivor Benefits case study, demonstrating how claiming decisions can significantly impact retirement income, financial security, and long-term planning outcomes. Using a practical financial planning scenario, Mike and Nick explain how survivor benefits work, who qualifies, and the strategies available to surviving spouses when navigating Social Security claiming decisions. They break down key rules surrounding survivor benefits, including eligibility requirements, timing considerations, benefit calculations, and common mistakes that can reduce lifetime benefits. Throughout the episode, they highlight how Social Security survivor benefits fit into a comprehensive retirement income plan and why coordinating these benefits with other assets, pensions, investments, and tax strategies is essential for maximizing financial security. Whether you're approaching retirement, currently receiving Social Security benefits, planning for a spouse's future financial well-being, or simply looking to better understand your options, this episode…

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