Social Security

Making an informed decision about one of your largest retirement assets

For most people, Social Security is the one retirement income that lasts as long as you do and keeps up with inflation. When you choose to start it is one of the most important retirement decisions you will make, and it is not easy to undo. MLR will sit down with you, look at your statement, and help you understand how the timing fits with the rest of your retirement picture.

Maria Regeci has spent her career helping educators and families in Flagler County plan for retirement. We help you see how Social Security works alongside your pension, the Florida DROP program, your retirement savings, and the income you will need year to year.

When to Claim

You can start benefits as early as 62 or wait until 70. Claiming early lowers your monthly check for life; waiting increases it. The right answer depends on your health, your other income, whether you are still working, and what you want to leave a spouse. We walk through the trade-offs with you in plain language.

Spousal and Survivor Benefits

Married couples have more options than most people realize. The order in which each spouse claims can change the total a household receives over a lifetime and what a surviving spouse is left with. We look at both records together rather than one at a time.

Educators and Public Employees

If you have a pension through the Florida Retirement System or another public plan, your Social Security decision should be made together with your pension and DROP choices, not separately. We help you coordinate them so the pieces fit.

Working While Collecting

Earning income before your full retirement age can temporarily reduce your benefit, and benefits can be taxable depending on your other income. We help you understand the rules before you decide, so there are no surprises in April.

What to Bring

Your Social Security statement (available at www.ssa.gov).
Pension, DROP or retirement plan estimates, if you have them.
A rough idea of the monthly income you want in retirement.

MLR is open for office visits, phone conversations and Zoom meetings. Contact us to set up a time.

*Representative is registered with and offers only securities and advisory services through PlanMember Securities Corporation (PSEC), a registered broker/dealer, investment advisor and member FINRA/SIPC. 6187 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013, (800) 874-6910. MLR Financial Company and PlanMember Securities Corporation are independently owned and operated companies. PlanMember is not responsible or liable for ancillary products or services offered by MLR Financial Company or this representative. The information presented here is for general educational purposes and is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. See our Disclosures.

We’re here to help answer your questions. Financial, insurance, and tax matters can be complicated. Our knowledgeable staff are on hand to help inform you of every aspect regarding your accounts. We take great pride in using our experience for you and look forward to hearing from you.