On this show, Alyssa McNamara Reed and Social Security expert Kurt Czarnowski talk about the complexities of Social Security benefits. The speakers outline the historical evolution of the program, explaining how eligibility shifted from a calendar-based system to one determined by credits and lifetime earnings. They clarify essential concepts such as full retirement age, the financial impact of early or delayed collection, and the specific rules governing spousal and divorced spouse benefits. Additionally, the discussion addresses the recent Fairness Act, which repealed certain pension offsets, and the projected funding shortfall facing the system in the coming decade. Throughout the dialogue, they emphasize that Social Security is meant to be a supplemental income source rather than a complete retirement solution.

Alyssa McNamara Reed, CFP®is a financial planner with passion for the intersection of taxes and investing.  Alyssa works with motivated savers, beneficiaries of estates, business owners, divorcees, and pre-retirees.

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McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care.

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