Making Smarter Social Security Decisions

In this episode of Women on Wealth, Julina Ogilvie sits down with Social Security expert and author Marcia Mantel to unpack one of the biggest concerns facing pre-retirees today: Will Social Security be there for me?

Together, they cut through the headlines and misconceptions—explaining how Social Security is actually funded, what “running out of money” really means, and why claiming decisions can have long-term consequences.

Timestamps:

04:30 – Is Social Security going bankrupt?
08:00 – How Social Security is funded (and why it matters)
11:30 – The 2032 reserve fund timeline & potential benefit cuts
15:00 – How different generations view Social Security
19:00 – Why claiming early can be a costly mistake
23:30 – The impact on spouses and survivor benefits
27:00 – COLA adjustments, Medicare premiums & hidden effects
30:00 – The danger of claiming at 62 (and how common it is)
34:00 – Longevity reality: Why planning for your 90s matters
38:00 – Can you undo a Social Security decision?
42:00 – Why there is no “one-size-fits-all” claiming strategy
46:00 – Full retirement age confusion (65 vs. 67)
49:00 – Earnings limits: Why you may get $0 if you claim early
52:30 – How Social Security benefits are taxed
56:00 – Potential policy changes and future fixes
1:00:00 – Creative solutions & global comparisons
1:04:00 – Final thoughts: Why planning matters more than ever

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. The statements and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the author. PWP cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any statements or data. For current PWP information, please visit the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with PWP’s CRD #290180