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Think Outside of Single-Threaded Solutions
Real world knowledge and technical know-how for retirement planning and forward-thinkers.
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Articles
Learn more about navigating through the nitty-gritty of Retirement and Social Security.
What Is IRMAA and How Can You Avoid Paying More for Medicare?
If you’re 63 or older and planning to enroll in Medicare at 65, the income and tax decisions you make today could affect your cash flow not just this year, but two years from now. That’s because of IRMAA, short for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, an additional Medicare surcharge that…
Medicare, IRMAA, and Retirement Income: Why These Decisions Can’t Live in Silos
When your healthcare is tied to your employer, your coverage costs are relatively predictable. It doesn’t matter if you had a record-breaking sales year or a quiet one; the premium is the premium. Retirement has a way of complicating things. Medicare enrollees with higher incomes don’t just pay a set…
Your Clients Are Hearing That Social Security Taxes Are Going Away. Here’s What’s Really Changing.
If your clients have been asking whether Social Security taxes are disappearing, you’re not alone. Headlines and social media have created the impression that benefits will soon be tax-free. That’s not the case. A new temporary tax deduction could provide modest relief for some older taxpayers beginning in 2025. But…
‘A Bird in the Hand’? Why Claiming Social Security Early Still Isn’t the Safety Net It Seems
Here in Metro Atlanta, we’ve just had two back-to-back winter storm weekends. And with each forecast came the same familiar grocery store scene: shelves wiped clean. Bread. Milk. Eggs. Gone. What everyone plans to do with all that milk and bread is a question for another day. (My money’s on…
8 Scary Truths About Retirement Income Planning That Could Haunt Clients
Ah, spooky season. Remember when we were optimizing candy routes instead of retirement portfolios? When the toughest choice was picking a Halloween costume, not weighing Roth conversions against IRMAA avoidance? We still love a good thrill (and the occasional cathartic scream), but no one wants to be haunted by the…
On Freezing Waiting Rooms, the Sandwich Generation, and Staying Grounded When Life Happens
If you know me, you know that I geek out on technicalities, so advisors can stay focused on their clients. I thrive on rules, regulations, and timelines, translating them into practical, real-world strategies. But today, I’m pressing pause on the technical speak for a little real-talk. Because life over the…
Roth IRAs: A Powerful Tool for Tax Efficient Planning
It’s hard to believe the Roth IRA has been around for 27 years. Over the years, the frequency of questions about its pros and cons has fluctuated, but with uncertainty surrounding the future of taxes, it’s worth revisiting the risks and rewards of choosing a Roth IRA over a traditional…
Understanding Medicare’s Initial Enrollment Period
Navigating the world of Medicare can feel like deciphering a complex code. However, understanding the initial enrollment period is crucial to ensure you get the coverage you need without incurring costly penalties or gaps in healthcare coverage. Let’s break down what you need to know. What is the Initial Enrollment…
Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2024: The Numbers Are In!
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries in 2024. This increase aims to help retirees and disabled individuals keep pace with inflation. While the adjustment is lower than in previous years, it still boosts recipients’ monthly…
Heather Schreiber Aligns with The American College of Financial Services for Knowledge Hub+ Initiative
The American College of Financial Services is proud to announce the inclusion of Heather Schreiber, RICP®, NSSA®, a luminary in Social Security strategy and founder of HLS Retirement Consulting, as an industry expert for the newly unveiled Knowledge Hub+, a transformative learning platform aggregating pivotal insights from a cadre of…
Videos
Find Heather on YouTube to get your questions answered and grow your knowledge base when it comes to advanced financial planning.
Maximizing Your Retirement: Heather Schreiber’s Expert Advice on Social Security and Retirement Income on Jill on Money
Heather Schreiber, the founder of HLS Retirement Consulting, recently appeared on “Jill on Money LIVE” to share her expertise on Social Security and other retirement income-related topics. In this engaging discussion, Heather provides valuable insights into creating a My Social Security account and how it can be a crucial tool…
Navigating IRA Rollovers and Transfers: A Three-Part Video Series with Heather Schreiber
Understanding the nuances of retirement accounts can be the difference between a secure financial future and unexpected pitfalls. Heather Schreiber, RICP®, NSSA®, in collaboration with Merit Financial Advisors, has crafted a three-part video series titled “Money on The Move” to guide you through the complexities of retirement plan and IRA…
National Expert on The Social Security Break-Even Point
Heather Schreiber (NSSA®) is a social security expert, and in this short clip with Brad Pistole, she touches on the often talked about “break even point” in regards to choosing what age to trigger social security benefits at.
Brad Pistole Interviews Social Security Expert Heather Schreiber
Brad Pistole interviews Social Security Expert, Heather Schreiber (RICP, NSSA, Founder of HLS Retirement Consulting).
Social Security – Uncovering Opportunities with Heather Schreiber
This clip is an excerpt of a one-hour professional development CE program produced by the Int’l Retirement Resource Center called Uncovering Opportunities to Enhance Your Clients’ Retirement Income. If you are interested in having Heather speak at your next event please visit our Speaking page to learn how.
Podcasts
Get great advice on the go with conversations between your favorite tax nerd and forward thinkers.
Social Security Mailbag With Heather Schreiber
Heather joined Jill Schlesinger on the Jill on Money podcast for a special Social Security mailbag episode, answering listener questions about claiming strategies, spousal benefits, timing decisions, and other key retirement planning topics. The conversation offers practical guidance for making the most of your Social Security benefits. Listen to the…
3 Social Security mistakes that could cost you in retirement
Heather joined the Annuity Chat with North American podcast to discuss three common Social Security mistakes that can significantly impact retirement income. She shared practical strategies for making informed claiming decisions and maximizing Social Security benefits as part of a comprehensive retirement plan. Listen to the full episode on Apple…
Social Security Expert Heather Schreiber: What You Should Be Doing in 2026
In this episode of Safe Money Radio, Heather discusses key retirement planning updates, including Social Security changes for 2026 and the impact of Medicare and taxes. Watch below or click here to watch on YouTube.
TOP Retirement Experts Share Insights on Best Income Strategies for 2026
In this special 800th episode, Brad interviews Heather to discuss the leading research surrounding retirement income strategies and what it means for building a more secure and sustainable retirement plan. Watch below or click here to watch on YouTube.
The Retirement Planning Podcast – Unlocking Social Security: Expert Insights with Heather Schreiber
Heather joined Guardian Financial Management’s Darrin McComas and Jason Fox on The Retirement Planning Podcast to unpack the complexities of retirement planning. Watch below or click here to watch on YouTube.
New 2025 Rules: Social Security, Medicare, and Retirement Planning
Heather joined host Brad Pistole, RICP®, to discuss the sweeping changes reshaping retirement planning in 2025. Watch below or click here to watch on YouTube.
Social Security: Expert Insights with Heather Schreiber on the Fairness Act
Heather joined Guardian Financial Management on their podcast to break down the Social Security Fairness Act. Click here to listen.
Heather Schreiber Joins the Take Back Retirement Podcast: Smart Social Security Strategies for Women
Navigating Social Security can be challenging, especially for women who face unique financial hurdles in retirement. In Episode 82 of the Take Back Retirement Podcast, Heather Schreiber, RICP®, joined hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines to break down how women can make the most of their Social Security benefits with…
Heather Schreiber Joins the Peace of Mind Wealth Management Podcast to Discuss Social Security Spousal Benefits
Navigating Social Security benefits can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding spousal benefits. To shed light on this important topic, Heather Schreiber, RICP®, recently joined the Peace of Mind Wealth Management Podcast for an insightful discussion on maximizing Social Security spousal benefits in retirement. A Must-Listen Episode for…
Heather Schreiber, the “Social Security Queen,” Joins Jill on Money Live
When it comes to Social Security, few experts have the depth of knowledge and practical insight that Heather Schreiber, RICP®, brings to the table. Recently, she had the honor of joining Jill Schlesinger on the highly regarded Jill on Money Live podcast for a two-part discussion on maximizing Social Security…
Featured In
See articles that Heather has been featured in.
The Savings Game: Social Security regulations are complex
Heather was featured in The Savings Game, syndicated on Yahoo Finance, sharing practical strategies to help individuals prepare for potential changes to Social Security. She offered guidance on maximizing retirement savings, reducing reliance on future benefits, and planning ahead in an uncertain policy environment. Read the full article here.
Why Social Security Should Be Part of a Holistic Retirement Income Plan
Are clients making Social Security decisions based on fear instead of a coordinated retirement income plan? Social Security is one of the most important retirement income levers, but Heather explains why it should not be treated as a simple break-even math problem. Watch the full video here.
Why some advisors prefer HSAs over IRAs for retirement saving
Heather was featured in Financial Planning discussing why Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be a powerful retirement planning tool. She shared how strategically funding and preserving HSA assets may provide greater long-term tax advantages and help retirees better prepare for future healthcare costs. Read the full article here.
For Financial Professionals: Empowering Women’s Retirement from EquiTrust
Heather partnered with The Retirement Advisor Council to present Empowering Women’s Retirement, an educational webinar created specifically for financial professionals. The session explores the unique retirement challenges women face and provides practical planning strategies advisors can use to better serve and empower their female clients. Watch the webinar here.
The Savings Game: Planning for changes in Social Security
Heather was featured in the Orlando Sentinel‘s The Savings Game column discussing how ongoing uncertainty surrounding Social Security may affect future retirees. She shared practical planning strategies to help individuals prepare for potential benefit changes, maximize retirement savings, and reduce reliance on Social Security alone. Read the full article here.
How much will Social Security really pay you in retirement?
Heather was featured in TheStreet’s article explaining how much Social Security is likely to pay you in retirement, including how benefits vary based on lifetime earnings and claiming age. Read the full article here.
What to Do if You’re Forced Into Early Retirement
Heather was quoted in AARP’s article on what to do if you’re forced into early retirement, offering insight on financial steps to take when life unexpectedly pushes you out of the workforce. Read the full article here.
You’re 50 Now. By 59, Social Security Could Be Slashed by 23%
Heather was featured in MoneyTalksNews’ article on how Social Security benefits could be slashed by up to ~23% by the time many workers retire, explaining how trust-fund depletion and recent policy changes may accelerate benefit reductions. Read the full article here.
TheStreet – Social Security Faces Huge Threat Sooner Than You Think
Heather’s commentary was highlighted in Colette Bennett’s article on the latest Social Security Trustees Report. Read the full article here.
TheStreet – Social Security Student Loan Garnishment Sparks Alarm
Heather spoke with TheStreet about the reinstatement of the Treasury Offset Program and its impact on retirees facing loan garnishment. Read the full article here.
Stay ahead of the curve with Social Security Advisor.
A companion resource to Ed Slott's IRA Newsletter, this is the go-to "all things Social Security" newsletter and reference tool for financial professionals. Providing practical applications to commonly asked and misunderstood claiming rules, Social Security Advisor is a must-have for any financial and tax professional who wants to add value to their financial and tax planning process.
