We have partnered with several CPAs, and with our planning software, we can run different scenarios to test tax strategies that you can then take to your CPA to see if they would benefit your tax situation. We also work with an estate planning attorney to help you map out the most successful legacy planning program and tax preparation services that you can and then be here to answer questions.

So many people fail to make the seismic shift when retirement planning from accumulating assets to accessing their resources in retirement. As part of one of the best financial consultancy, Robert Stanlick concentrates on retirement planning and investment strategies using a number of innovative approaches.

He will help show you how to identify strong income attributes of investment and build a specialized strategy just for your income needs versus investing totally in a lifestyle or target date portfolio. A financial service professional since 1990, Robert has in-depth knowledge of financial issues that comes from nearly a quarter-century of experience. In addition to a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University-Pueblo, he has completed programs from the College of Financial Planning and from the Life Underwriters Training Council. Robert is an accomplished public speaker. He has been presenting Social Security workshops for 7 years, as well as many investing and retirement financial planning. He was a host of the Money for Life show on KVOR for over 9 years and has been a guest for KRDO TV and radio, KKTV, KOA, and KHOW. Robert’s experience and training enable him to assist clients with services ranging from retirement income and Social Security planning to tactical investment strategies and legacy planning.

After years of thinking of Social Security as a safety net for old people, baby boomers are realizing that it will soon be their turn to collect.  Many households will experience social security benefits of over $1,000,000 in their lifetime.

What are the benefits of Social Security?

Unlike other sources of retirement income, Social Security offers a unique combination of benefits.

A Predetermined amount of income.  By the time you come to the end of a long working career, the amount of Social Security income you will be entitled to is pretty well known.  The benefit is based on your earnings history as it is applied to a formula.  While the amount may vary depending on when you apply for benefits (delaying benefits results in a larger amount), the relative accuracy of the estimate makes it easy to build the rest of your retirement income.

Steady Income.  Once you have qualified for Social Security benefits, the amount of income you’ll receive is set.  Some people worry that benefits my be cut in the future, but it is highly unlikely that benefits paid to current retirees will be significantly affected by the proposals to reform the Social Security System.

Lifetime Income.  Social Security is one of the few sources of income that can be assured of never running out.

Inflation-adjusted income.  Social Security benefits are usually increased each year based on the previous year’s increase in the Consumer Price Index.  These cost of living adjustments retirees keep up with the rising cost of living.

The questions now is when is the optimal time to start taking Social Security Benefits.  You can technically start benefits at age 62 at a reduced amount.  The other issue with starting benefits at the age of 62 is if you continue to work benefits will be taxed a dollar for ever two dollars earned.  The taxed penalty goes away if you wait to Full Retirement Age to take your benefits even if you continue to work.

So, people want to take advantage of the benefits increasing by 8% per year up to the age of 70, prorated monthly.

So, when is the best time to take your benefits?  Well, that depends on several things.  The first is your life expectancy.  We can run calculations on break even scenarios between starting at full retirement age verse age 70.

The second factor you need to look out is spousal benefits.  Is your spouse going to benefit more by taking half or your benefit versus what their own benefit will pay them.

Other factors to consider is divorced benefits and survivor benefits.  We can assist you in evaluating all your options when it comes to Social Security and your retirement income.