The Hidden Connection Between Your 401(k) and Social Security

Are your 401(k) withdrawals silently increasing the taxes on your Social Security benefits? Many retirees view Social Security and tax-deferred accounts (like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs) as completely separate systems, but decisions made in one directly impact the other. In this episode of Protect and Grow Chicagoland Retirement, host Peter talks with Tim Stearns, CFP®, founder of TJ Stearns, Inc., to discuss how to coordinate your retirement income streams, minimize taxation, and build a lasting financial blueprint. Key Topics Covered: Earnings Baseline: Why pre-tax 401(k) contributions during your career do not reduce your Social Security earnings credits. Business Owner Trap: How business deductions differ from 401(k) contributions and can unintentionally lower future Social Security payouts. The Retirement Tax Surprise: How drawing taxable income from a 401(k) can trigger taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits and push you into higher Medicare (IRMAA) brackets. Roth Strategies & RMDs: How leveraging Roth accounts and strategic withdrawal sequencing helps protect survivor benefits and gives you long-term tax control. Single vs. Married Tax Brackets: Preparing for the "widow tax penalty" when a surviving spouse inherits accounts with narrower tax brackets. Get Your Written Retirement Blueprint Planning for retirement requires coordinating all pieces of your financial picture—from investments to taxes and Social Security claiming strategies   📞 Call TJ Stearns, Inc. Today: 847-749-2295