Thinking about retiring early and worried it might hurt your Social Security benefits? Good news: it probably won’t.

A common myth is that you have to work into your 60s to get the most out of Social Security. In reality, benefits are based on your 35 highest-earning years—not the age you stop working.

This episode breaks down how benefits are calculated, what “bend points” are, and why even part-time income in semi-retirement can make a difference.

There’s also an important distinction between when you stop working and when you start claiming. Monthly benefits can range from around $1,400 at age 62 to $2,400 at age 70, depending on the timing.

Curious what your own numbers look like? Head to ssa.gov to create a free account and check your personalized estimate. It’s a simple step that can help you make smarter retirement decisions.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

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Money conversations fall short when only one spouse is at the table. It’s easy to treat financial planning like another household task to divide and conquer, but unlike errands, your financial plan is the blueprint for your shared future.

What we’ve seen time and again is that the person sleeping next to you often holds the key to your blind spots. They know what stresses you out, what brings you joy, and what dreams you’ve stopped saying out loud. That’s why the best financial plans aren’t just about returns or tax strategies—they’re built around conversations that reflect what both of you actually care about.

One question we love to ask: “Would you rather spend more each year, or donate that money to your least favorite political cause?” It’s uncomfortable and it works. Couples suddenly uncover real goals they’ve never voiced before.

When both partners are involved, tradeoffs become clearer, values rise to the surface, and decisions feel more connected. It’s not just better planning, it’s a better relationship with your future.

What conversations might you and your partner still need to have?

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️

Get Started Here.

Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Forget the myth that you need a million dollars to retire. What really matters is creating sustainable cash flow—not hitting a magic number.

Retirement success comes down to three things: your expenses, guaranteed income (like Social Security or pensions), and the gap your savings need to fill. For some, that gap is smaller than expected.

Real examples—like a couple living comfortably on $300K in investments—show it’s possible. Small lifestyle changes, like cutting $1,000 in monthly expenses, can reduce your retirement savings need by hundreds of thousands.

Define what “comfortable” means to you, then calculate the gap. The real number might surprise you.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️

Get Started Here.

Join the new Root Collective HERE!