Free Community Education

Social Security Is Complex.
The Consequences of Getting It Wrong Are Not.

One filing decision, made without full information, can cost a household tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. We provide the education the system does not.

Open to everyone. No income requirement. No financial advisor required. No products, no sales, no obligation.

Reserve Your Free Seat See All Topics

We serve anyone navigating Social Security, including SSI and SSDI recipients, low-income beneficiaries, those without a financial advisor, and those whose advisor never covered these rules. We do not discriminate based on income, assets, age, or background.

Who We Serve

The Knowledge Gap Is the Problem

Social Security's rules were written by Congress, administered by federal bureaucracy, and explained by no one. The people most harmed by that gap are often the people least able to absorb the loss.

This workshop is for you if any of these apply

You are approaching retirement and have not yet claimed Social Security. You receive or expect to receive SSI or SSDI. You inherited a retirement account after 2019 and do not understand the 10-year mandatory distribution rule. You have a financial advisor but Social Security strategy was never part of the conversation. You are a public-sector employee subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision or Government Pension Offset. You are divorced, widowed, or disabled and are unsure what benefits you qualify for. You are a lower-income household that relies primarily on Social Security and needs to understand every dollar.

SSI recipients SSDI recipients Inherited IRA holders Public employees (WEP/GPO) Divorced spouses Surviving spouses Unadvised households Pre-retirees Already retired
Everyone

No Financial Advisor

Roughly half of American households have no professional financial guidance. Social Security is often their largest financial asset. We provide the technical foundation to make that decision without a paid advisor.

Gap in Advice

Has an Advisor, Missing This

Many financial advisors are licensed to manage investments but have not studied Social Security optimization, the earnings test, provisional income, or WEP/GPO. A gap in your advisor's knowledge is still a gap.

High Stakes

SSI and SSDI Recipients

Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance have specific earnings limits, benefit interaction rules, and transition pathways to retirement benefits. Getting these wrong has immediate financial consequences.

Upcoming Free Workshops

Attend a Workshop Near You

Free, open to the public, held at public libraries and community centers across Southern California. No means test. No means of selling you anything.

Apr
14

Social Security, Taxes, and Benefit Rules

Norman P. Murray Community Center, Mission Viejo. 8:30 AM.

Free Reserve Seat
Apr
20

Social Security, Taxes, and Benefit Rules

Grace Mellman Community Library, Temecula.

Free Reserve Seat
May
9

Social Security, Taxes, and Benefit Rules

San Rafael Branch Library, Pasadena.

Free Reserve Seat

Get Workshop Updates

Enter your info and we will send upcoming dates, locations, and a free resource guide on Social Security filing rules.

By submitting, you consent to receive educational communications from the Retirement Literacy Foundation and its affiliated advisor, Goldstein & Co. LLC. You may opt out at any time. We never sell your information.

Our Commitment

Free. Always. For Everyone.

The Retirement Literacy Foundation is a California nonprofit with pending 501(c)(3) status. We do not charge for workshops, means-test attendees, or require any prior relationship with a financial professional.

Free
All workshops, always
No
Income requirement
3+
Counties served
10+
Topics covered per session
About the Foundation

Workshop Topics

A technical overview of every subject we cover. No prior knowledge required.

Core Social Security Rules

What Every Claimant Must Know

All attendees

Benefit Calculation: AIME and PIA

Your benefit is based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and converted to a Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) using a progressive bend-point formula. We explain how SSA calculates your top 35 years of earnings, why zeros hurt, and how delayed credits increase your PIA by 8% per year from Full Retirement Age to age 70.

All attendees

Filing Age Strategy: Break-Even and Longevity

Filing at 62 produces a permanently reduced benefit. Filing at 70 produces the maximum. The break-even point is typically age 78-82. We walk through the math for early, full, and delayed filing and discuss how health, spousal income, and tax exposure affect the optimal decision.

All attendees

Spousal Benefits: Up to 50% of Partner's PIA

A non-working or lower-earning spouse may receive up to 50% of the higher earner's PIA. This benefit does not increase beyond Full Retirement Age. We cover eligibility requirements, the interaction between spousal and own-record benefits, and the elimination of File-and-Suspend strategies under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.

All attendees

Survivor Benefits: Up to 100% of Deceased Spouse's Benefit

A surviving spouse may collect up to 100% of the deceased's benefit, including any delayed credits earned. Survivor and own-record benefits cannot be collected simultaneously; we explain the sequencing strategy that maximizes lifetime household benefits.

All attendees

Divorced Spouse Benefits: The 10-Year Marriage Rule

If you were married for at least 10 years and are currently unmarried, you may claim a spousal benefit on your ex-spouse's record without affecting their benefit or their current spouse's benefit. Many divorced individuals are unaware this benefit exists.

Intermediate

Earnings Test: The Pre-FRA Income Penalty

If you claim Social Security before Full Retirement Age while still working, SSA withholds $1 for every $2 earned above $22,320 (2024 threshold). This is not a permanent penalty; withheld benefits are recalculated and credited after FRA. We explain how this affects early claimers who return to work.

Intermediate

Taxation of Benefits: Provisional Income Formula

Up to 85% of Social Security benefits are taxable depending on your provisional income (AGI + non-taxable interest + 50% of Social Security). We explain the 50% and 85% thresholds, how IRA withdrawals push benefits into taxation, and how strategic Roth conversions can reduce your taxable benefit permanently.

Intermediate

IRMAA: Medicare Premium Surcharges on Higher Incomes

Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) add surcharges to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for beneficiaries whose Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds threshold levels. A single large IRA withdrawal or Roth conversion in the wrong year can trigger a multi-thousand-dollar annual penalty. We cover how to plan around this.

Specialized and Underserved Topics

Rules That Are Often Missed

Critical

SSI: Supplemental Security Income Rules

SSI is a needs-based federal benefit for low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. The 2024 federal benefit rate is $943/month for individuals. SSI has strict asset limits ($2,000 individual/$3,000 couple), income exclusions, and in-kind support rules that determine eligibility. We cover how Social Security retirement benefits interact with and reduce SSI, and how to navigate the transition from SSI to Social Security retirement at age 62 or later.

Critical

SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance and Trial Work Period

SSDI beneficiaries under Full Retirement Age automatically convert to retirement benefits at FRA with no gap in payment. However, the Trial Work Period (TWP) allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work for up to 9 months without losing benefits. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits apply. We explain the TWP, the Extended Period of Eligibility, and what earnings thresholds trigger benefit suspension.

Critical

SECURE Act 2.0: The 10-Year Inherited IRA Distribution Rule

The SECURE Act of 2019 eliminated the stretch IRA for most non-spouse beneficiaries. Inherited IRAs must now be fully distributed within 10 years of the owner's death. If the original owner was already taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), the IRS requires the beneficiary to continue taking annual RMDs through year 9, with full distribution in year 10. Failure to comply triggers a 25% excise tax on the shortfall. This rule disproportionately affects middle-income heirs who do not realize they are sitting on a ticking tax obligation. We walk through the rules, the exceptions (spouses, minors, disabled beneficiaries, chronically ill individuals, beneficiaries within 10 years of the decedent's age), and distribution strategies to minimize tax exposure.

Intermediate

WEP: Windfall Elimination Provision for Public Employees

Public-sector employees who receive a pension from non-Social Security-covered employment (common in state and local government) face a modified benefit formula that reduces their Social Security PIA. The reduction can be as high as $587/month (2024). The Social Security Fairness Act of 2024, signed into law in January 2025, eliminated WEP and GPO for affected workers. We explain what this means for current and future retirees.

Intermediate

GPO: Government Pension Offset for Spousal Benefits

The Government Pension Offset reduced spousal and survivor Social Security benefits by two-thirds of a government pension from non-covered employment. Like WEP, GPO was eliminated by the Social Security Fairness Act of 2024. We explain who qualifies for retroactive benefit restoration and how to file for adjustments.

All attendees

Required Minimum Distributions: IRA and 401(k) Rules

SECURE Act 2.0 raised the RMD starting age to 73 (rising to 75 in 2033). RMDs are calculated annually based on account balance and IRS Uniform Lifetime Table divisors. Missed RMDs trigger a 25% excise tax, reduced to 10% if corrected within 2 years. We explain how RMDs interact with Social Security taxation, IRMAA, and bracket management strategies.

Our Approach

All topics are presented as factual education. We cite SSA publication numbers, IRS regulations, and SECURE Act statutory references where applicable. We do not provide individualized tax, legal, or financial advice at workshops. When a question requires professional guidance, we say so and, where appropriate, may refer attendees to qualified CPAs, estate attorneys, or licensed financial advisors, including but not limited to Goldstein & Co. LLC. All referrals are made at attendee request or where the Foundation believes a referral is genuinely in the attendee's interest.

Upcoming Free Workshops

Reserve your seat. All events are free, open to the public, and require no financial background.

Spring 2026 Schedule

Apr
14

Social Security, Taxes, and Benefit Rules

Norman P. Murray Community Center
24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
8:30 AM

Free Admission
Apr
20

Social Security, Taxes, and Benefit Rules

Grace Mellman Community Library
41000 County Center Dr, Temecula, CA 92591

Free Admission
May
9

Social Security, Taxes, and Benefit Rules

San Rafael Branch Library
1240 Nithsdale Rd, Pasadena, CA 91103

Free Admission

Topics Covered at Every Workshop

  • + AIME/PIA benefit calculation and the 35-year earnings record
  • + Filing age strategies: 62, Full Retirement Age, and 70
  • + Spousal, survivor, and divorced spouse benefit rules
  • + SSI and SSDI interaction with retirement benefits
  • + Provisional income and taxation of benefits
  • + The SECURE Act 10-year inherited IRA rule
  • + WEP/GPO elimination under the 2024 Fairness Act
  • + IRMAA and Medicare premium exposure
  • + Required Minimum Distribution rules (SECURE 2.0)
  • + Open Q&A

No financial background required. Attendees are encouraged to bring their most recent Social Security Statement (available at ssa.gov/myaccount).

Reserve Your Seat

Fill out the form and we will confirm your registration and send preparation materials before the event.

By registering, you consent to receive event confirmation and educational communications from the Retirement Literacy Foundation and Goldstein & Co. LLC. Call: 714-584-4921.

About the Foundation

Who we are, why we exist, and who leads this work.

Hans Goldstein, Founder

Hans Goldstein

Founder and President

Licensed Insurance Professional

NPN: 20602398 | Goldstein & Co. LLC

Licensed across most U.S. states

Retirement Literacy Foundation
EIN: 41-5062266
California Nonprofit Corporation
501(c)(3) Status Pending

Board of Directors

Hans Goldstein - President
Michelle Tseng - Secretary
Jai Hilton - Independent Director

Why This Foundation Exists

Social Security is the single largest source of retirement income for most Americans. For lower-income households, it is often the only source. Despite this, the Social Security Administration provides no individualized guidance on filing strategy, and most financial advisors either lack the training or lack the incentive to cover the full technical picture.

The Retirement Literacy Foundation was founded in 2026 to fill that gap. We provide free, technically rigorous education on Social Security rules, benefit interactions, tax exposure, and inherited account obligations. We serve everyone, with no income threshold, no asset requirement, and no expectation that attendees will ever engage a financial advisor.

Our workshops are held at public libraries and community centers across Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County. Every session is designed to be accessible to a general audience while technically complete enough to be useful to those who already have professional guidance.

Transparency Notice

The Retirement Literacy Foundation is an independent nonprofit education organization, entirely separate from any commercial financial services activity.

Hans Goldstein separately owns and operates Goldstein & Co. LLC, a licensed insurance and retirement income advisory practice (NPN: 20602398). This is a completely separate entity with no operational connection to the Foundation's educational programs. Goldstein & Co. LLC serves households seeking individualized retirement income planning, typically those with significant liquid assets.

The Foundation reserves the right to refer attendees to qualified professionals when appropriate. This may include Goldstein & Co. LLC, independent CPAs, estate planning attorneys, or other licensed financial professionals. Referrals are made at attendee request or where the Foundation believes a referral is genuinely in the attendee's interest. No referral is required, expected, or implied by attending a Foundation workshop. Attendees with lower incomes or simpler situations may be referred to free or low-cost community resources instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need money or assets to attend?
No. There is no income requirement, no asset threshold, and no means test. We serve SSI recipients, SSDI recipients, low-income retirees, and households of every economic background equally.
Is this really free?
Yes. All workshops are free, held at public venues, and open to anyone. No admission charge. No obligation to purchase anything or engage any professional.
I already have a financial advisor. Is this still useful?
Probably yes. Social Security optimization, the SECURE Act 10-year rule, WEP/GPO, and provisional income taxation are specialized topics many advisors have not studied in depth. Attending does not replace your advisor relationship, but it gives you the right questions to ask.
Will someone try to sell me something?
Not at the workshop. The event is purely educational. If you want individualized retirement planning support, you are welcome to schedule a private consultation with the founder's separate advisory practice. That is entirely your choice and is never a condition of attending.
What is the connection to Goldstein & Co. LLC?
The Foundation is an independent nonprofit. Hans Goldstein also operates Goldstein & Co. LLC as a completely separate licensed insurance advisory practice. The two entities serve distinct purposes and are operated with full separation. The Foundation may refer attendees to Goldstein & Co. LLC or other qualified professionals when appropriate, but this is never automatic or assumed.
What is the 501(c)(3) status?
The Retirement Literacy Foundation is a California nonprofit incorporated in March 2026. Our application for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is currently pending with the IRS. EIN: 41-5062266.

Contact Us

Questions about workshops, venue partnerships, or referrals? We respond within one business day.

☎

Phone

714-584-4921

✉

Email

hans@retirementliteracyfoundation.org

🏠

Mailing Address

1401 21st St, Ste R
Sacramento, CA 95811

🕑

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT

Send a Message

We respond within one business day.

By submitting, you consent to be contacted by the Retirement Literacy Foundation and Goldstein & Co. LLC. Phone: 714-584-4921.

Terms of Service and Disclosures

Please read before using this website or attending our events.

Last updated: April 2026

1. About This Website

This website is operated by the Retirement Literacy Foundation (EIN: 41-5062266), a California nonprofit corporation. 501(c)(3) status is currently pending with the IRS. The website is also associated with Goldstein & Co. LLC (NPN: 20602398), a completely separate commercial entity owned by Hans Goldstein.

2. Organizational Separation

The Retirement Literacy Foundation is an independent nonprofit education organization, entirely separate from Goldstein & Co. LLC, a licensed insurance and retirement income advisory practice. The Foundation does not sell insurance or financial products. Any commercial advisory services are provided solely through Goldstein & Co. LLC as a separate engagement.

The Foundation reserves the right to refer attendees to qualified professionals when it believes a referral is in the attendee's interest. This may include Goldstein & Co. LLC, independent CPAs, estate planning attorneys, or other licensed professionals. No referral is required or expected as a condition of attending a Foundation workshop. The Foundation serves individuals of all income levels and asset backgrounds equally.

3. Non-Discrimination Policy

The Retirement Literacy Foundation does not discriminate in the provision of educational services on the basis of income, assets, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability status, age, sex, gender identity, or any other characteristic. All workshops are open to the public on equal terms.

4. Educational Purpose Only

All content on this website and at our workshops is for general educational purposes only. Nothing constitutes financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

5. No Client Relationship

Attending a workshop, submitting a form, or contacting us does not establish an advisory or client relationship with either the Foundation or Goldstein & Co. LLC. A formal advisory relationship with Goldstein & Co. LLC is established only through a signed engagement agreement.

6. Insurance Licensing Disclosure

Hans Goldstein is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 20602398) operating through Goldstein & Co. LLC. These activities are conducted through Goldstein & Co. LLC, not the Foundation.

7. Workshop Attendance

All Foundation workshops are free and open to the public with no income or asset requirements. Attendance does not obligate you to purchase any product or engage any professional. Workshops are educational and do not constitute sales presentations.

8. Privacy and Data Use

When you submit your information through this website, you consent to be contacted by the Retirement Literacy Foundation and Goldstein & Co. LLC for workshop registration, educational resources, and retirement planning follow-up. We do not sell or share your personal information with unaffiliated third parties. Opt out anytime: hans@retirementliteracyfoundation.org or 714-584-4921.

9. Accuracy of Information

Social Security rules, tax laws, and insurance regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with the Social Security Administration or a qualified professional. Workshop content citing specific dollar thresholds, excise tax percentages, and statutory provisions is updated annually but may not reflect mid-year regulatory changes.

10. No Guarantee of Results

Educational content is general in nature. Individual outcomes depend on personal circumstances. No representation is made that any strategy discussed will produce specific financial results.

11. Contact Information

Retirement Literacy Foundation
1401 21st St, Ste R, Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: 714-584-4921
Email: hans@retirementliteracyfoundation.org

12. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to update these terms at any time. Continued use of this website constitutes acceptance of revised terms.