The 50% Social Security Spousal Benefit Explained: You Can't Have Both

The Social Security 50% spousal benefit is one of the most misunderstood rules in retirement planning. Many couples assume delaying benefits will maximize their income—but that’s not always true. In this video, we break down how the Social Security spousal benefit actually works, including how it’s calculated, when you’re eligible, and why it doesn’t increase if your spouse delays until age 70. You’ll also learn the key rule that the higher-earning spouse must file first, and how that impacts your claiming strategy. If you're planning your Social Security strategy as a married couple, understanding these rules can help you avoid costly mistakes and potentially maximize your lifetime benefits. Watch to make a more informed decision before filing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:07 What Is the 50% Spousal Benefit? 00:49 How the Spousal Benefit Is Calculated 01:19 Example: Comparing Two Spouses 02:12 Key Rule: Higher Earner Must File First 02:36 What Happens If One Spouse Delays 03:18 The Most Misunderstood Rule Explained 03:41 Why Delaying Doesn’t Increase Spousal Benefit 04:33 Strategy Implications for Couples 04:59 When Filing Earlier May Make Sense 05:32 When Delaying Still Works 06:12 Other Factors to Consider (Taxes, Survivor Benefits) 06:30 Common Mistakes to Avoid 06:37 Final Thoughts Questions or want to schedule a consult? Phone: 518-477-6686 Contact Us Page: https://www.greenbushfinancial.com/co... Visit our website: https://www.greenbushfinancial.com/ Subscribe to our channel for more financial planning tips:    / @greenbushfinancialgroup   Leave a comment below! 🔔 Stay Updated If you found this video helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe! Don't forget to hit the bell icon for notifications on new uploads. #michaelruger #greenbushfinancial