A recent study about Social Security advice from The Wharton School indicates that many financial advisors do not understand how spousal benefits work, much less how the decision to claim benefits early can financially harm a surviving spouse. Many advisors frame the “when to start benefits” decision as a break-even question. That may work for singles in some instances. But for married couples, a better decision-making approach is to consider what’s the best long-term choice for a surviving spouse. We know that statistically women outlive men, so Husbands, if you really love your Wives, think twice before you start those benefits!
