Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with difficult questions about protecting your assets,  Social Security benefits, and market uncertainties.  In this episode, I answer listener questions about whether to choose a living trust or a will, explain how Social Security benefits work for widows and divorced women, and discuss how to prepare your retirement income for market ups and downs. I also share practical tips on building a financial safety net and touch on the importance of tax planning through retirement stages. Key points: The considerations involved in deciding between a will and a living trust, emphasizing the importance of privacy How divorce can affect Social Security benefits, and whether it’s possible to receive higher benefits based on a former spouse’s record The Social Security Fairness Act and how it impacts individuals, specifically teachers, receiving both a pension and Social Security Strategies to preserve your retirement income The conditions under which children can receive Social Security retirement benefits, a topic that is not frequently discussed And more! Resources: Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roap  #22 – How to Secure Your Legacy Women’s Retirement Success Webinar Series Savvy Social Security Planning for Women Connect with Eric Blake:  www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com the Simply Retirement Newsletter Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast Blake Wealth Management YouTube 5c21u