InvestingRetirementTax Tips
The Social Security ‘Bridge’: Why Spending Your Portfolio First Wins Mathematically
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Result: The Bridge provides 77% more income AND leaves a larger legacy.
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The Social Security ‘Bridge’: Why Spending Your Portfolio First Wins Mathematically
CORE INSIGHTS
- The 8% Guarantee: Delaying Social Security from FRA (67) to 70 yields a guaranteed 8% annual increase. No bond matches this inflation-protected yield.
- The Bridge Mechanic: Spend down your 401(k) assets from 62-70 to replace the income you would have received. You are buying a larger pension.
- Longevity Insurance: This strategy secures your highest possible income for late life (90+), reducing the risk of outliving your money.
“Don’t touch the principal” is dangerous advice for Social Security. Claiming early to preserve stocks is backward. You are selling a guaranteed annuity to buy volatile assets. The Bridge Strategy flips this logic.
The Math of Delay Credits
- Claim at 62: ~70% Benefit (Permanent Cut)
- Claim at 70: 124% Benefit (Permanent Boost)
- The Spread: +76% nominal increase. This creates a crash-proof income floor.
What-If Scenario: The ‘Claim Now’ vs. ‘Bridge’ Decision
| Strategy | Monthly SS (Real) | Portfolio @ 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Claim Early (62) | $2,100 | $420,000 (Risk) |
| Bridge to 70 | $3,720 | $680,000 (Safe) |
Visualizing the Income Gap
*Figure 1: Lifetime Income. The Green line (Bridge) dominates in total wealth after age 80.*
Strategic Action Steps
1
Designate the ‘Bridge Fund’
Segregate 8 years of SS income (e.g., $240k) in your IRA. Move this to safe assets (Treasuries) to fund the gap.
Segregate 8 years of SS income (e.g., $240k) in your IRA. Move this to safe assets (Treasuries) to fund the gap.
2
Spend Down Aggressively
From 62-70, drain this fund to live. Do not feel guilty. You are purchasing a higher government pension.
From 62-70, drain this fund to live. Do not feel guilty. You are purchasing a higher government pension.
3
Roth Conversion Opportunity
Since you have $0 SS income during the gap years, your tax bracket is low. Use this window for cheap Roth conversions.
Since you have $0 SS income during the gap years, your tax bracket is low. Use this window for cheap Roth conversions.
The Bottom Line: Who Should Choose What?
- Do This: Healthy retirees with enough savings to bridge the gap. It is the best “bond” you can buy.
- Avoid This: Those with terminal illness or insufficient savings to last to 70.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ‘Social Security Bridge‘ strategy?
It involves deliberately spending down 401(k)/IRA assets from age 62-70 to delay Social Security until age 70 for max benefits.
Why is delaying to age 70 mathematically superior?
Benefits grow by 8% per year (plus inflation). No low-risk investment matches this guaranteed yield.
Isn’t it risky to deplete my portfolio early?
No. By securing a higher guaranteed income floor, you reduce Longevity Risk. You swap volatile assets for a secure stream.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. SS rules may change. Consult a planner.
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