This fall two Social Security “aggressive claiming strategies” were eliminated. This is the biggest change in Social Security in more than a decade.

These changes will affect when many couples should claim their retirement benefits. For people who turned 62 by Dec. 31, the major strategy is still available. For those older than 66 by the end of April, another strategy remains available until April 29.

While both strategies had been on the books for at least 15 years, they have gained attention recently.

Social Security is bigger and more complicated than most people realize. The benefits amount to five percent of gross national product and are the bedrock of most people’s retirement.

Coordinating Social Security benefits with the rest of your assets and plans is an important part of preparing for a comfortable retirement. Maximizing your benefits means taking into account your work plans, your partner, your tax strategy and the deployment of your other assets.

Many people make spur of the moment decisions on Social Security and pensions and may never realize why their hopes and dreams go awry. Failure to make the correct decisions can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

We talk to people frequently about these issues and are happy to help.