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Boomer Retirement Briefs

How Boomers Are Reshaping and Redefining "Retirement"

Social Security

Social Security: It’s a Big Financial Decision

Back in 1935 when Social Security made its debut, the government had to all but force older Americans to claim their benefits. Today, the situation couldn’t be more different.  Baby Boomers reaching retirement age can’t wait to get their hands on this benefit.  It seems that everyone knows the earliest you can claim Social Security is age 62.

But, is that the best age for you to claim? Turns out, when and how to claim your retirement benefit is a major financial decision.  The decision you make is generally irrevocable.  And, the decision you make in your early 60s will impact your income in retirement in your 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond.  What I’m saying here is:  it’s a big deal to get this right.

Take a look at the posts in this section to learn more about this very important and complicated government program. Read the “Did You Knows” and use the helpful resources throughout.

Send me your questions and I’ll help you get an answer – preferably before your stake your claim!

You might find it helpful to get started here with my first post about Social Security. You’ll learn to navigate this complex program. And your most important resource is Social Security’s website.

Social Security: Lightly Toasted, Not Burnt (my latest book)

aka: It’s Still Not Going Bankrupt This has been a tough year for Social Security. After the year started out on such a bright note with the repeal of WEP and GPO, things quickly soured. The new administration unleashed the doughgie boys (DOGE) into the gears of Social Security. And they wreaked havoc. Layers and layers of new identification rules make it difficult for … [Read more...] about Social Security: Lightly Toasted, Not Burnt (my latest book)

Social Security for Divorced Individuals

Information and a checklist Too many myths and misconceptions swirl around Social Security. It’s frankly amazing how much people think they know about the program…and how wrong they can be. One of the most common misunderstandings concerns Social Security for divorced individuals. It can be quite a surprise when divorced women discover they can claim benefits based on their … [Read more...] about Social Security for Divorced Individuals

Social Security for Married Couples – Part 2

Example Cases to Check out Social Security decisions for married couples are best approached step-by-step. Then the rules make more sense. There are several “behind-the-scenes” calculations that you don’t see on your statements. Different options are compared to see if either spouse will be eligible for a spousal benefit. At the end of the process, each spouse will receive … [Read more...] about Social Security for Married Couples – Part 2

Social Security for Married Couples

Key information and a checklist before you claim Are you happily married today? You’ll probably need to keep that in mind when you sit down to figure out your Social Security claiming strategy. There may be a healthy debate over who will claim first. And it may be hard to consider how your decision could affect your spouse after you die. Not such a pleasant topic. But super … [Read more...] about Social Security for Married Couples

2025 Social Security Trustees Report—Impact of a 23% Cut in Your Benefits

Cover of the 2025 Social Security trustees report summary book

On June 18, 2025, the new troop of Social Security trustees released the 2025 Social Security Trustees Report. This annual requirement reports the health of four critical social safety net trust funds managed by the trustees. The four are OASI, DI, HI, and SMI. For retirement, the most important trust fund is OASI—Old Age and Survivors Insurance. This year’s report projects the … [Read more...] about 2025 Social Security Trustees Report—Impact of a 23% Cut in Your Benefits

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Marcia’s Retirement Kitchen

Marcia Mantell's Retirement Kitchen

What’s Cookin’?

If your kitchen is anything like mine, it’s the place everyone gathers to talk about their day, share special moments, and ask important questions. And to see what’s cooking.

There’s a strong connection between preparing meals and planning retirement. Both need certain ingredients, recipes to follow, and timing that’s just right.

My motto to live by: "If you can make a lasagna, you can create a retirement plan."

In the "Marcia’s Retirement Kitchen" section, you’ll find fun ways to think about your retirement and get some of my favorite recipes. Just for fun!

Books by Marcia

Retirement workbook by retirement expert Marcia Mantel

So, you want to retire…

…don’t forget that planning your retirement is not a weekend project. I’ve talked to thousands of people who really want to retire but don’t know where to start.

I’ve written 4 books to help you learn more, plan better, and navigate confidently. This is where you want to start.

  • Social Security: Lightly Toasted, Not Burnt
  • Creating Your Medicare Recipe
  • Cookin’ Up Your Retirement Plan
  • What’s the Deal with Retirement for Women?

Order your copy on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Available Retirement Resources

Checklist for social security for divorced individuals

Reinventing Retirement?

Boomer Retirement Briefs is your go-to blog for fun ideas and new ways to reinvent retirement.

As an author and presenter, I meet so many interesting people at different stages of retirement. Their innovative ideas and approaches inspire me. They also tell me where they get tripped up.

To help you avoid some tricky areas, look through the blog posts for free resources you can use. You’ll find:

  • Social Security checklists
  • Medicare cost planners
  • Action plans
  • and more...

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