Client Story: Finding Confidence in Taking Social Security

For many people, the decision to begin Social Security isn’t purely financial, it’s emotional. One of our clients recently shared just how much uncertainty the process stirred up, even though she had more than enough resources to cover her retirement needs.

On paper, Carrie was in excellent shape. Years of saving and investing had left her with financial security. But when it came time to decide whether to claim Social Security, she felt hesitant. The headlines didn’t help — constant political chatter about the future of Social Security made her worry that if she waited, the program might not be there for her at all.

Adding to the uncertainty is the fact that, in most cases, it’s advisable to wait as long as possible before claiming Social Security. Each year you delay, your benefit grows — and for many people, that can mean tens of thousands of dollars more over the course of retirement. The conventional wisdom says: wait if you can. But that advice doesn’t always tell the full story.

Carrie turned to us for help sorting through the pros and cons. Advisor Ryan Turbyfill walked through her full retirement plan, step by step. Ryan showed her how Social Security fit into the bigger picture and confirmed what she needed most: reassurance. It was almost as if she needed a little nudge to give herself permission to enjoy this stage of life. With that reassurance, she moved forward and filed. 

The result? A huge sense of relief. Instead of worrying about the “what-ifs,” Carrie was free to enjoy the benefits she had earned. In fact, the first thing she did was book a trip to Mexico — something she had wanted to do but hadn’t quite given herself permission for.

This is a good reminder that financial planning is about more than maximizing numbers on a spreadsheet, it’s about aligning money with life goals and the confidence to live them out. Whether you’re thinking about claiming Social Security early or waiting until your full retirement age, we’ll help you understand your options and guide you every step of the way — no guilt, no stress, just the freedom to live your life on your terms.

🔹You can start collecting Social Security as early as age 62 — but your monthly benefit is permanently reduced.

🔹Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is between 66 and 67, depending on the year you were born. Filing at FRA means you’ll receive your full benefit.

🔹If you delay benefits beyond FRA, your payment grows by about 8% each year until age 70. Waiting until 70 usually yields the largest monthly benefit.

👉The conventional wisdom says: wait if you can. But that advice isn’t always right for everybody.

Will the government shutdown affect Social Security payments?

Social Security benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and benefits for retirement, disability and survivors, continue uninterrupted during government shutdowns. If you receive these services, you can expect to get your Social Security check or direct deposit as usual, regardless of the shutdown.

Economic & Market Update — September and Q3 Recap

The federal government officially shut down at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 1, after Congress was unable to reach a funding agreement in time. While certain federal services will be temporarily paused, history shows markets typically look through brief shutdowns, focusing instead on economic and earnings trends.

Q3 markets were broadly positive. The Dow Jones Industrial Index rose over 5%, and the S&P 500 Index advanced more than 7% for the quarter. A key driver of this strength has been steadily rising corporate earnings forecasts, which signal continued resilience in both consumer and business activity. The Federal Reserve’s September rate cut added support, reinforcing expectations for a gradual easing cycle ahead.

Looking ahead, we continue to favor diversified positioning, including allocations to commodities such as gold and international markets, where valuations and policy conditions in some regions remain compelling relative to the U.S. While headlines around fiscal policy may create temporary noise, long-term fundamentals, particularly earnings growth and broader global participation, remain supportive, however we are monitoring many data points and adjusting accordingly.

*Indexes listed above can not be invested in directly 

We’re proud to sponsor this great annual event. The Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival helps cultivate a more empathetic and connected community through the shared experience of film and stories that compel us, entertain us, touch us, and inspire us. 

Bonus! All active-duty military and veterans can enjoy FREE entry into the festival on Sunday, October 19.

 
Details and tickets at rmwfilm.org
  

Your Local Resource for Expert Financial Guidance and Support

Capstone built our reputation on friendly service, impeccable ethics, and respect for every client. Our clients’ needs drive our relationship, and the focus is always on you. We strive to be highly responsive to your requests and are skilled at creating solutions customized to your goals, values, and situation.  Reach out anytime with questions. We're happy to help!

Capstone Investment Financial Group, LLC

Colorado Springs/Denver

719-477-9883

info@capstoneinvest.com