New tool

The cost of not waiting until 70 — and what a SPIA bridge actually costs

Most retirees claim Social Security at 62 because the calculator on ssa.gov tells them what they get today — not what they're losing. This tool shows the lifetime number, plus what a 7-year income bridge would cost so you could actually wait.

Your numbers

Pull these from your latest Social Security statement (ssa.gov → "Your statement"). If you don't have them, the calculator estimates from your FRA number.

You (primary)

SS benefit estimate (monthly)

earliest claim
full retirement age
maximum

Spouse (leave blank if single)

Spouse SS (monthly)

if already claiming
put same # if already claiming

Planning assumptions

try 85, 90, 95 — math gets dramatic past 85
% per year, 2.5% is the 20-yr avg
% IRR, 7-yr period certain ~5.0% today
used to estimate Roth-conversion bracket savings
what you'd face at 75+ with RMDs + spouse death
for SS-taxation math during bridge
if you keep working before age 70 — triggers SS earnings test
drain IRA at 22% during bridge vs higher RMD brackets later
SS isn't on yet, so it's not getting taxed at 85% provisional

Want help running this with your real numbers?

Free 30-minute session with Hans Goldstein. He'll walk you through your actual SS statement, your real IRA balances, and what your bridge would look like.

By submitting you agree to be contacted by Hans Goldstein. No spam, ever. Educational only.
Educational tool, not advice. The math uses current 2026 retail SPIA market rates (~5% IRR for 7-year period certain), Social Security delay credits (5/9% per month early reduction, 8%/year delay credit), and standard actuarial assumptions. Real SPIA quotes depend on carrier, term, and current rate environment. Always run real quotes from 2+ carriers and consult a CPA before executing any strategy. Retirement Literacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. EIN 41-5062266.