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Maximizing Social Security: What Every Woman Needs to Know Before Claiming Benefits
Friday, 24 July, 2026
What if one decision could increase your retirement income for the rest of your life? In this eye-opening episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana Abbott sits down with nationally recognized Social Security expert and Certified Financial Planner™ Mary Beth Franklin to help women understand one of the most important financial decisions they'll ever make—when to claim Social Security benefits. From choosing the right claiming age to understanding special rules for married, divorced, and widowed women, Mary Beth explains how thoughtful planning can help maximize lifetime income while avoiding costly mistakes that could permanently reduce your benefits. You'll discover:Why retirement and claiming Social Security are two separate decisionsHow your claiming age can dramatically affect your lifetime incomeSpecial claiming strategies for married, divorced, and widowed womenCommon Social Security mistakes—and how to avoid themHow to maximize survivor benefits for your familyImportant changes under the Social Security Fairness ActWhen a Social Security "do-over" may still be possible Whether retirement is just around the corner or still years away, this conversation provides practical guidance every woman should understand before filing for benefits. The decisions you make today could impact your retirement income for decades to come. Mary Beth Franklin is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, veteran financial journalist, and nationally recognized expert on Social Security, Medicare, and retirement income planning. Based in Washington, D.C., she has spent decades helping Americans make informed financial decisions through her writing, speaking, and educational programs. Mary Beth is a sought-after speaker on Social Security and Medicare, a former columnist for InvestmentNews, former Tax and Retirement Editor at Kiplinger Personal Finance, and former congressional correspondent for United Press International. She is also a frequent guest on radio and television programs and hosted the popular Retirement Repair Shop podcast for seven seasons. To learn more about Mary Beth, visit www.marybethfranklin.com.Smart Women Talk Disclaimer:The information shared in this episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, legal, Medicare, Social Security, or retirement planning advice. Every individual's circumstances are unique. Before making decisions regarding your investments, retirement income, or government benefits, please consult with qualified professionals who can provide guidance based on your personal goals and financial situation.
