Did you know that if you’re divorced, you may be eligible for up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s Social Security benefits? Many leave money on the table simply because they misunderstand the rules. In this episode, Kwame Kuadey breaks down exactly how divorce affects Social Security and what you need to know to claim your benefits confidently.

We’ll cover eligibility rules, common mistakes, and claiming strategies so you can maximize your retirement income. Kwame also explains why your ex-spouse cannot block your benefits, how remarriage affects your options, and what to watch out for if you were previously denied due to a public pension.

Whether you’re planning your retirement or managing fixed income, this episode provides clear, practical guidance to help you access the Social Security benefits you’ve earned.

Key Topics Covered

• Eligibility requirements for claiming Social Security based on an ex-spouse’s record
• How divorce length, age, and remarriage affect your benefits
• Calculating your potential payout and timing your claim
• Common mistakes that reduce benefits, including claiming too early or missing important documents
• Differences between spousal, divorce, and survivor benefits
• Updates on the Social Security Fairness Act and public pension rules
• Essential documents and information needed to file successfully

Who This Episode Is For

• People aged 55+ or anyone approaching retirement
• Divorced individuals seeking clarity on Social Security benefits
• People living on a fixed income who want to maximize retirement income
• Anyone who wants a simple, trustworthy guide to navigating government programs like Social Security

Why This Matters Now

Many are unaware of recent changes to Social Security and public pension rules. Understanding your eligibility now can help ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to and plan for a secure retirement.

Resources Mentioned

• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov
• Daily 3 Newsletter – Practical updates for seniors on retirement and benefits: https://benefitsinsider.co

If you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing to The Retirement Navigator Podcast for more clear, calm guidance on Social Security, Medicare, and senior benefits. Share this episode with friends or family who may benefit, and join our community for ongoing tips to protect and maximize your retirement income.

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Many retirees did everything “right” - worked for decades, saved consistently, and planned carefully - yet retirement still feels different than expected. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “How am I supposed to live now?” this episode is for you.
In this relaunch of the Retirement Navigator podcast, Kwame introduces a new direction focused not just on Social Security updates, Medicare, or retirement income planning - but on the deeper question of how to live with meaning, dignity, and forward motion after work ends.
He shares five guiding principles for what he calls the “Second Act” of life - practical, steady reminders designed to support seniors living on fixed income, navigating senior benefits, and adjusting to the emotional and practical realities of retirement.   

In this episode, you’ll discover: 

• Why retirement is not a withdrawal from life
• The idea that “You are not done yet” - your life still carries weight and purpose
• Why health is your first currency, and how Medicare and senior benefits support it
• How to rebuild purpose after leaving a long career
• Why community is essential - not weakness, but strategy
• What “forward motion” really means (small daily actions that matter)
• How retirement income, Social Security, and health all connect to independence

This show is for you if you are:  

• Adults 55+ adjusting to retirement 
• Seniors living on Social Security or fixed income 
• Anyone feeling uncertain, smaller, or slower in this stage of life 
• Retirees who prepared financially but still feel something is missing
• Older adults looking for meaning beyond numbers and benefits

Why This Matters Now 

With rising cost of living, ongoing Social Security discussions, and constant news about Medicare and government programs, it’s easy for retirement conversations to focus only on finances. But financial stability alone does not answer the deeper question many seniors face: How do I live well now?
This episode shifts the conversation from just retirement income planning to living deliberately, even when retirement looks different than expected.

Resources Mentioned  

Senior First Community 

Chapter Medicare 

If this episode resonated with you, consider subscribing to the Retirement Navigator podcast so you don’t miss future conversations. 

You’re also invited to share your thoughts - what does your “Second Act” look like right now? And if you know another retiree who may need encouragement, feel free to share this episode with them. 

You are not done yet - and you don’t have to navigate retirement alone.    

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Are you tired of retirement advice that assumes you're wealthy?

Welcome to The Retirement Navigator, the podcast for hardworking Americans who need practical retirement guidance—whether you're starting with $500 or $500,000 saved.

I'm Kwame Kuadey, creator of Benefits Insider, where I've helped over 250,000 people maximize their Social Security and Medicare benefits. While other retirement experts chase wealthy clients, I help real people with real budgets retire with dignity.

In this introductory episode, you'll discover:

• Why most retirement advice doesn't apply to middle-class Americans
• The harsh reality facing 60% of retirees (and what to do about it)
• How to maximize Social Security, Medicare, and government benefits you've earned
• What to expect from this podcast and how it's different from everything else out there

This show is for you if:

• You're ages 50+ and approaching or in retirement
• Your household income is $40,000-$80,000 annually
• You have modest retirement savings (or are starting from scratch)
• You need Social Security and Medicare to work for you, not against you
• You're looking for practical strategies, not theoretical investment advice

Coming up next week: The biggest Social Security mistake I see people make—and the simple fix that could add $30,000 to your lifetime benefits.

Got questions? Email me at [email protected] - your question might become a future episode!

You've worked hard your whole life. You deserve a secure retirement, and I'm here to help you navigate the path forward. Hit subscribe and let's build your retirement confidence together.

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