Now That File and Suspend is Gone, What is Left?

With all the media attention centered on the demise of file and suspend, you might have gotten the idea that it no longer matters what you do regarding Social Security claiming decisions.  Not true!  File and suspend was utilized by a surprisingly narrow range of Social Security claimants, sometimes inappropriately and to a couple’s detriment.  However, it was a very “cool” technique that often made me look like a genius, so I regret that it no longer has a place in the claiming toolkit.  That being said, the particular claiming strategy that you and your spouse choose can still make a substantial difference in the benefit dollars you will collect. (more…)