My wife and I are 3 years and 5 months apart in age -- she was born in 1953 and is now 63, and I was born in 1949 and am now 66. Neither of us are currently receiving social security. How can we maximize our social security benefits in light of the new rules (we own the 1st edition of your book and our public library has the revised edition). Thank you.

Hi,

The best filing strategy for you and your wife depends on a number of variables, and the best way to determine your optimal filing strategy is likely to run the maximization software available on this website.

Both you and your wife were grandfathered under the new law's changes to deeming, so you both retain the option of filing for spousal benefits only at full retirement age or later, then switching to your own account at age 70. Only one of you can do this, however, and the software will sort out all of your options so that you can make the best choice.

Best, Jerry