Are you leaving money on the table with your Social Security benefits?

Join host Eric Blake as he engages with Nolan Russell, a former Social Security Administration employee and author of “The Essentials of Social Security: Insider Insights to Help You Plan with Confidence.” Nolan shares his 25 years of experience, shedding light on the complexities of Social Security and offering practical advice to help you make informed decisions.

Key Highlights:

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• Understanding Social Security: Discover why Social Security is a crucial yet often undervalued source of retirement income that adjusts for inflation
  
• Challenges in Information Accuracy: Learn about the difficulties in obtaining accurate information from the Social Security Administration and strategies to overcome them
  
• Nolan’s Background: Gain insight into Nolan’s extensive experience with the SSA and his motivation for writing his book to help people better understand their benefits
  
• SSA Staffing Challenges: Understand the impact of staffing issues at the SSA on the availability and accuracy of information
  
• Effective Preparation: Get tips on how to prepare for interactions with Social Security representatives by having a clear vision of your retirement goals and neccessary information ready
  
• Missed Entitlements: Learn about the common issue of missed entitlements and how to ensure you receive all the benefits you’re eligible for
  
• And much more!
  

Listen in for actionable advice on optimizing your Social Security benefits and navigating the complexities of retirement planning with confidence.

Resources:

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• Get Your Own Simply Retirement Roadmap 
  
• Ask a Question
  
• Sign up for the Simply Retirement Newsletter
  
• Website: My Social Security
  
• Ep. ​14 – Top 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Social Security​
  
• Ep. ​19 – Navigating Social Security and Retirement Planning for Caregivers​
  
• Ep. ​24 – Understanding Spousal (and Ex-Spousal) Social Security Benefits
  
• Social Security Quick Reference Guide for 2024
  

Connect with Eric Blake: 

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• Blake Wealth Management
  
• Eric Blake, CFP® Facebook
  
• Eric Blake, CFP® Instagram
  
• Eric Blake, CFP® LinkedIn
  
• Blake Wealth Management LinkedIn
  
• Blake Wealth Management Facebook
  
• YouTube 
  

Connect with Nolan Russell: 

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• LinkedIn: Nolan Russell
  
• Book: The Essentials of Social Security 
  

About our Guest: 

Nolan Russell is a former Social Security employee with more than 25 years of experience. He began his career in a Field Office as a Claims Representative and, later, as a Technical Expert. Then, he worked in a Regional Office as a Regional Program Analyst and Medicare Coordinator, providing program expertise on a regional and national level in the agency. Thereafter, he served as a Teleservice Center Manager, overseeing service on Social Security’s 800 number phone network. His last assignment was managing a small, rural Field Office in Colorado where he was responsible for maintaining service to several mountain communities. Regardless of his position, Nolan has a passion for using his knowledge and experience to help people be successful when working with Social Security.

Nolan has been married to his wonderful bride over 32 years, has four grown children and no grandchildren (yet). He is an avid DIYer, always looking for ways to fix just about anything.