In this episode, Don and Tom confront the emotionally charged—and often financially tragic—decision to claim Social Security early. They debunk three common justifications: fear of system insolvency, false break-even math, and “I just want my money.” Don shares his own benefit numbers as a real-world example of the value of waiting, especially for married couples. They also address why many can’t wait and explore whether alternatives like balanced portfolios or annuities make sense. Later, they roast misleading “hybrid pension” annuity schemes from KCIS, field smart ETF questions about AVGE and AVNM, and talk target-date funds, including why some belong only in tax-deferred accounts. The show ends on a lighter note with a detour into the surprising origin stories of Cocoa Beach, Florida—and a well-earned nod to Don’s daughter for her killer disclaimer voiceover.

0:04 Tom’s Goldilocks routine: too hot, too cold, never just right

1:05 Why early Social Security claims can be financially tragic

2:11 Top emotional excuses people use to claim early

3:19 The 2033 funding deadline and how Congress will likely delay action

4:16 Misconceptions about break-even math and spousal survivor benefits

5:01 Real example: Don’s $49K vs. $58K annual benefit if he waits

6:55 The “just want my money” crowd: emotional logic at its worst

8:13 Average claiming age has improved, but still too early for most

9:38 Can you bridge the income gap to delay claiming? Not if you’re broke

10:55 Permanent 30% cut if you claim at 62 vs. full retirement age

11:52 Why working longer might be the best—and only—solution

13:12 Retirement isn’t a permavacation: the mental toll of early retirement

14:18 Emotion vs. planning: the real battle in financial decisions

14:41 Listener Q: KCIS hybrid pension pitch = pure annuity sales

16:17 Indexed annuities, tax-free income claims, and SEC loopholes

17:50 Listener Q: AVNM vs. AVGE – how to structure your global ETF allocation

18:50 AVGE = one fund; AVNM + AVUS = smarter two-fund DIY

19:59 Listener Q: iShares target-date ETFs and the risk of fund closure

21:17 Why target-date funds don’t belong in taxable accounts

22:19 Why is Cocoa Beach called Cocoa? Three weird theories

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