Two of the most consequential retirement decisions you face have nothing to do with your portfolio: When to claim Social Security, and how to structure your Medicare coverage.

The classic rules of thumb were to wait until 70 to claim Social Security, and to choose a Medicare plan at 65 with and revisit it as needed.

However, these guidelines may be obsolete for many in 2026. Rising healthcare costs have triggered changes in many parts of Medicare, which may eat into your retirement income more than expected. Plus, as retirees live longer, financial media is churning out more and more—often conflicting—advice for retirement strategies. Decisions have become more complicated, and the consequences of getting them wrong more lasting.

Get our free guide1 to help you understand the trade-offs, so you can make decisions that align with your health, income, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Topics include:

  • Why the “claim at 62 vs.70” Social Security debate misses the point
  • How to think through when to claim based on your specific situation
  • A breakdown of Medicare's structure and your main coverage options
  • The Medicare trends retirees should know in 2026
  • Plus, how both these decisions fit into a broader retirement income and investment strategy

Fill out the form to get your free guide today!

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