Mike and Al moves beyond the basics into strategy - how couples can coordinate filing ages, sequence survivor benefits, and weigh break-even analysis when one spouse has much higher earnings. They cover tax and Medicare interactions (IRMAA surcharges, provisional income thresholds) and how Roth conversions or drawing from IRAs first can reduce lifetime taxes on benefits. Special cases like the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), Government Pension Offset (GPO), and claiming while still working get practical do’s and don’ts to avoid surprises. The takeaway: maximize household lifetime benefits by integrating Social Security timing with taxes, healthcare, and overall retirement cash-flow not as a stand-alone decision.

<p>Mike and Al moves beyond the basics into strategy - how couples can coordinate filing ages, sequence survivor benefits, and weigh break-even analysis when one spouse has much higher earnings. They cover tax and Medicare interactions (IRMAA surcharges, provisional income thresholds) and how Roth conversions or drawing from IRAs first can reduce lifetime taxes on benefits. Special cases like the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), Government Pension Offset (GPO), and claiming while still working get practical do&rsquo;s and don&rsquo;ts to avoid surprises. The takeaway: maximize household lifetime benefits by integrating Social Security timing with taxes, healthcare, and overall retirement cash-flow not as a stand-alone decision.</p>