Gottier Investments

860-683-1245

Retirement Read Time: 2 min

Social Security Benefits: How Much Will I Receive

Next to “When should I claim Social Security benefits?”, one of the more common questions people have is “How much will I receive?”

Calculating your potential Social Security benefit is a three-step process:

1. Calculate Your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME): The highest 35 years of indexed earnings is added together. It is then divided by the number of months in 35 years to arrive at your AIME. (“Indexed earnings” is an adjustment made to historical earnings so that they reflect a current standard of living.)

2. Determine Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA): AIME is subjected to a formula based on the year of first eligibility (age 62).

3. Application Age: The final calculation will be based on the age you apply for Social Security retirement benefits. For instance, if you apply at full retirement age, you will receive 100% of your PIA. If you apply for early benefits, your benefit will be less, and if you wait until after full retirement age, your retirement benefit will exceed your PIA.

If this all sounds complicated, that’s because it is. However, the Social Security Administration allows you to calculate your personal benefits without you having to do any of the math.

Social Security is a complex retirement decision that requires careful preparation in order to maximize its value to you and your spouse in retirement. You should consider working with your financial professional as well as accessing the information resources at the Social Security Administration, to help you make the decisions that are most appropriate to your needs.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

How Big is Money?

How Big is Money?

Learn a little about worldwide currency in this fun infographic

How Income Taxes Work

How Income Taxes Work

A quick look at how federal income taxes work.

An Overview of Renter’s Insurance

An Overview of Renter’s Insurance

Don’t overlook the need for renter’s insurance if you rent your home.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Spotting Credit Trouble

The wise use of credit is a critical skill. These 10 questions will help you assess your skill level.

Social Security: Maximizing Benefits

There are other ways to maximize Social Security benefits, in addition to waiting to claim them.

You May Need to Make Estimated Tax Payments If…

Have income that isn’t subject to tax withholding? Or insufficient withholdings? You may have to pay estimated taxes.

View all articles

Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?

This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.

Comparing Investments

This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.

What Is My Current Net Worth?

Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.

View all calculators

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

View all presentations

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

RE: Retirement

How does your ideal retirement differ from reality, and what can we do to better align the two?

Once Upon a Goal

Do you know how to set up your financial goals for success? This knight does.

View all videos