{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Retirement Tax Matters | Advanced Tax Planning for High-Net-Worth Retirees","title":"Social Security Optimization for HNW Retirees (2026 Update)","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/477d48c9\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1000,"description":"Episode 12 of Retirement Tax Matters focuses on Social Security optimization for Hign-Net-Worth retirees, framing it as a critical spousal protection and legacy tool rather than a simple break-even calculation. We explain why the higher-earning spouse delaying their benefit to age 70 is often the most critical decision, as it maximizes the guaranteed, inflation-adjusted survivor benefit for their partner. We then cover the key 2026 updates, including the 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and the new maximum monthly benefit of $4,152 for a worker filing at Full Retirement Age. We also discuss how the Social Security payroll tax wage base has increased to $184,500. Finally, we connect this high-benefit strategy to your long-term tax plan, discussing how this large, guaranteed income stream interacts with RMDs and can contribute to the surviving spouse tax shock making proactive planning essential. | Disclosures","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/QMBp4ueQC8kgGJT6p5R0uXjrbcTiKAgi9QK0kiNMFPA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wYzY3/YjA3YWZlMmM4NTRl/ZTkwNWI5NTYyYTZm/NmQzZi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}