Melia Advisory Group, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has introduced a Social Security advisory service aimed at helping married couples navigate spousal and survivor benefit decisions. The service provides benefit-timing analysis, earnings history reviews, and claiming strategies tailored to each couple's circumstances to maximize lifetime household income for those approaching or already in retirement.
More information is available at https://www.meliagroup.com/social-security-analysis
According to the Social Security Administration, survivor benefits can reach 100% of the deceased worker's benefit when the surviving spouse claims at their own full retirement age, making the timing of each claim a consequential decision. When the higher-earning spouse delays claiming past full retirement age, their monthly benefit increases by approximately 8% per year up to age 70 — a growth that carries through to the survivor benefit their partner would eventually receive.
Melia Advisory Group often recommends a split claiming strategy, in which the lower-earning spouse claims Social Security first while the higher earner delays to maximize benefit growth. This approach allows couples to address near-term income needs while working toward the largest possible survivor benefit for whichever spouse outlives the other. Advisors review each couple's earnings records and model different claiming scenarios to identify opportunities for increasing lifetime benefits and managing tax exposure.
The firm's broader approach to retirement planning centers on income-focused strategies, with advisors working to build portfolios around stable, interest- and dividend-generating assets rather than growth-oriented positions. Melia Advisory Group notes that, alongside Social Security planning, establishing reliable income sources becomes especially important for couples navigating potential policy changes or unexpected health-related costs in retirement.
Melia Advisory Group has been serving the Tulsa area since 1995 and has been recognized as a top-rated financial advisory firm in Oklahoma, including a #1 ranking by Top Rated Local. The firm is available to provide personalized consultations to local retirees and can be reached by calling (918) 794-9290.
Find out more at https://www.meliagroup.com/