THE OVERLOOKED $2 MILLION SOCIAL SECURITY MISTAKE
FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS

with
Thad Ismart | CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS
 Senior Financial Planner

Social Security benefits can add up to more than $2 million for some households, yet many wealthy families overlook their value. In this episode, Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart explains how high-net-worth individuals can make the costly mistake of ignoring Social Security—and strategies to maximize its impact.

Full Description

When people think about Social Security, they often imagine modest monthly checks. But over a lifetime, benefits can exceed $2 million for many high-earning households. Unfortunately, wealthy individuals often dismiss Social Security as irrelevant, leaving valuable opportunities on the table.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS, Senior Financial Planner at BWFA, explores how affluent families can misuse—or underuse—Social Security benefits. Thad explains how treating Social Security as “extra” income rather than a strategic asset can lead to missed planning opportunities.

The conversation covers practical ways to put Social Security to work. For instance, using benefits to help fund long-term care, cover estate taxes, or purchase life insurance that transfers wealth more efficiently. Thad also highlights strategies like gifting benefits into trusts, which can create tax-smart legacies for heirs.

Listeners will come away with a better understanding that Social Security is not just a government check but a tool that can enhance a larger financial plan. Wealthy households that integrate Social Security thoughtfully may free up other assets for investment, giving, or family support.

At BWFA, we help clients of all income levels make informed decisions that align with their goals. This episode encourages even high-net-worth families to reconsider the role Social Security can play in their overall strategy.

For more insights, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.