Social Security Claiming Tips for Unique Situations
The Red Zone Retirement Program
Release Date: 01/30/2025
Why Better Questions Build Better Retirements
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at You’ve heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad question.” But in retirement planning, some questions are definitely better than others. The way you frame a question often determines the quality of the answer, and sometimes the quality of your entire retirement. Today, John goes through some of the most asked questions and how to reframe them to get clearer, more useful answers. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🦃 Thanksgiving Traditions: John’s holiday traditions and...
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The Giving Playbook: Smart Moves for Lasting Impact
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at In football, every great play starts with a solid game plan, and generosity works the same way. Giving feels good, but giving wisely wins championships. Today, John breaks down the playbook for smart, purposeful generosity and shows you how to make every dollar count. Because when it comes to giving, it’s not just about moving the ball, it’s about leaving a lasting legacy on and off the field. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📅 When to Give: Timing your donations for both impact and...
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Fidelity’s 2025 Report: Health Care Costs Just Jumped Again
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at Fidelity just released their 2025 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate. The number is staggering: $172,500 for a 65-year-old retiring today. The bigger problem? One in five Americans hasn’t even thought about health care costs in retirement. Today, John breaks down exactly what this means, why it matters, and how to prepare. With the right planning, you can make health care just another line item in your retirement budget, not a financial shock. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Fidelity’s...
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Year-End Strategic & Tactical Planning Meetings
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at Retirement isn’t just about saving money—it’s about strategically planning your withdrawals. In this episode of Red Zone Retirement, we'll take you through our annual “strategic and tactical” fall meetings, showing how smart planning now can prevent massive surprises later. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ✅ How to make Roth conversions work in your favor ✅ The hidden Medicare penalty most people miss ✅ Guardrails that protect your income when the market dips ✅ How strategic...
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Reacting To Unfiltered Retirement Takes from YouTube
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at In this episode, John steps onto the field and reacts to unfiltered takes from viewers, everything from taking Social Security at 62 to the hidden penalty of healthcare costs before Medicare kicks in. These “back of the napkin” plays may look good in the huddle, but we'll break down where the blocking is weak, what gaps are being missed, and how early mistakes can leave you taking a permanent loss on retirement income and survivor benefits. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 Taking Social...
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The Hidden Medicare Penalty You Might Be Paying
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at Think Medicare is free once you hit 65? Not quite. If your income’s too high, there’s a hidden surcharge that can quietly shrink your Social Security check by thousands a year. It’s called IRMAA. And most people don’t see it coming. Let’s break down who’s impacted and how to avoid it. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💰 IRMAA is a Medicare penalty based on income—not assets 🔙 It looks 2 years backward to determine your premiums 💥 One-time income events like property sales or...
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Football & Finance: Don’t Panic, Stick to the Plan
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at In football, one bad play doesn’t decide the outcome. A fumble, interception, or blown coverage can rattle a team, but the best players stay calm, adjust, and keep running their game plan. The same lesson applies to your finances. In this episode, John uses football stories from the field to show how to handle financial fumbles without panicking. Setbacks are part of the game. What matters is responding with discipline and perspective so you can stay on track toward your long-term goals. Here’s some of what we...
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Mailbag: Renting, Dividends, and Social Security
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at When it comes to retirement, the toughest calls aren’t always about the market — they’re about your life. In this episode, John takes a break from the playbook to field real questions straight from the audience mailbag. Big choices about where to live, how to invest, and when to start Social Security can feel like fourth-quarter pressure, and John’s here to help you call the right plays when it matters most. John explores the pros and cons of renting in retirement, why relying on a “dividends only”...
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Gain an Edge in Investing with the 3 Factor Model
The Red Zone Retirement Program
🏈 Don’t fumble your retirement - get your financial game plan at Retirement planning isn’t about flashy plays- it’s about fundamentals. In this episode, John breaks down the “3 Factor Model,” an investment strategy backed by decades of academic research. He explains how focusing on market exposure, small-cap stocks, and value companies can give investors a subtle but powerful performance edge over time. Using football as a framework, John compares successful investing to building a winning team: it's about preparation, sticking to the game plan, and finding hidden...
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Big Beautiful Bill Myths Debunked
The Red Zone Retirement Program
Big tax law changes always bring big rumors. But before you assume Social Security is now tax-free or that you’re getting a $40K deduction just for breathing, let’s set the record straight on what’s really changing. If you’ve been hearing wild claims about tax-free retirement or giant write-offs, this conversation may just be the reality check you need. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 New Social Security deductions for seniors 65+ 💰 Not everyone gets a tax cut, despite the hype 🏡 Estate tax tweaks don’t replace actual planning 🙌 Changes to the...
info_outlineSocial Security claiming strategies can vary greatly depending on family dynamics. This episode explores how different family situations, such as those with a stay-at-home spouse or a blended family, can impact when and how to claim Social Security benefits to maximize your retirement income.
Discover how small adjustments can lead to successful retirement planning, and learn about the newly passed Social Security Fairness Act. Explore strategies for single and dual-income households, blended families, and special considerations for those with disabilities.
Social Security should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a holistic retirement strategy that includes investments, tax planning, and more. With the recent changes brought by the Social Security Fairness Act, it's more important than ever to stay informed.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
0:00 – Intro
2:25 – Social Security Fairness Act
5:42 – Single income households
8:11 – Dual income households
12:11 – Special considerations for blended families
15:06 – Why you need a Social Security plan going in
16:55 – SSDI vs. SSI
21:19 – Let your advisor know your life circumstances, it matters
Get in touch:
Phone: 661-775-3704
Book an appointment with us: http://bookachatwithjohn.net
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Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PmcOPM