For many of us in the financial services industry, Social Security income tends to be an afterthought. Let's be honest....for most of our clients seeking the professional advice of an estate planner, attorney or CPA, Social Security will be a relatively small portion of their retirement income. And while most of us have touted the merits of tax deferred growth or tax free income products not contributing to the taxation of these Social Security benefits, for many of us that is the end of the discussion. Personally, in my own planning, I have always "hoped for the best, but planned for the worst!" In other words, if the money is there by the time I retire I will have some "fun money" but I'm certainly not depending on that income stream as part of my retirement strategy.

If you have ever had similar thoughts, you may be wondering why we have devoted one of our seven monthly luncheons to the topic. We all are aware that delaying the commencement of benefits can greatly increase the benefit we eventually receive. But did you know that you can claim benefits in many ways, and that you can change the way you claim a benefit, suspend benefits and start them again? This flexibility allows us to help clients design a variety of strategies in receiving their Social Security income when the time comes. Divorced clients can even claim benefits under the ex-spouses entitlement...sometimes even if that client has remarried or the ex-spouse has not commenced benefits yet! Who knew? These varying strategies can increase a client's income while in retirement by literally tens of thousands of dollars!

With that in mind, I urge you to attend out luncheon this month and hear from Black Rock� about ways to help your clients get the most of Social Security income they are entitled to. Please RSVP today!

Also, don't forget that the Member Get a Member contest is still going on until the end of this month. Don't miss your opportunity to get 50%, or even 100% of your national dues! I look forward to seeing you at the luncheon.