August 2026 – Ramp Up to Retirement

When Should You Claim Social Security? (Ep. 36)

By Ramp Up to Retirement | August 26, 2026

When should you claim Social Security, at 62, full retirement age, or 70?

The answer can affect more than your first monthly payment, including your future income, taxes, portfolio withdrawals, and the benefit available to a surviving spouse.

In this episode, Dan Reese, CFP®, explains how Social Security benefits differ when claimed at age 62, full retirement age, or age 70. He examines break-even calculations, annual cost-of-living adjustments, life expectancy, earnings limits, and household claiming decisions. Dan also explains how delaying benefits may create room for Roth conversions, change portfolio withdrawals, and support a surviving spouse.

Key points:

How claiming at 62, 67, or 70 can produce significantly different monthly Social Security payments
Why cost-of-living increases compound differently when your starting Social Security benefit is higher
When health, longevity, income needs, and other retirement resources may influence your claiming age
How delaying Social Security may create additional time for Roth conversions and lower taxable income
Why couples should consider survivor income before either spouse begins receiving Social Security
And more!

This is not intended to provide specific legal, tax, or other professional advice. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is a taxable event.

Resources:

Carson Wealth Retirement Readiness Quiz

Connect with Dan Reese CFP®:

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Do Roth Conversions Still Make Sense After Tax Law Changes? (Ep. 35)

By Ramp Up to Retirement | August 12, 2026

If you’re approaching retirement with a large traditional IRA, deciding whether to convert to a Roth account can affect your future taxes, Medicare costs, and what your heirs receive.

How do taxes, Medicare costs, retirement income, and estate planning all connect when making this decision? The right decision depends on your situation, not just what tax rates are doing.

In this episode, Dan Reese, CFP®, explains how recent tax law changes have shifted the reasons people may evaluate Roth conversions as part of their retirement planning. He shares how Roth conversions can affect retirement taxes, future required distributions, and the assets passed to heirs. Dan also explains how reviewing your current financial picture, evaluating different tax-bracket scenarios, and coordinating with financial and tax professionals can help clarify the potential trade-offs.

Key points:

How Roth conversions can affect retirement taxes, Medicare premiums, and future financial decisions
Why recent tax law changes changed the reasons many people consider Roth conversions
How inherited retirement accounts can create tax concerns for the next generation
Why spreading conversions across multiple years may help manage tax brackets
How financial planning connects taxes, income, investments, and estate decisions
And more!

This information is not intended to provide specific legal, tax, or other professional advice. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is a taxable event.