MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Do you have questions about getting the most out of your Social Security benefits? Quicken has answers.
The new Quicken Social Security Optimizer, powered by LifeYield, helps make it easier for people to understand and determine how to maximize their estimated Social Security benefits. Previously available only to retirement planners, the optimizer is now offered through Quicken, the nation’s leading personal software from Intuit Inc. (Nasdaq: INTU) and LifeYield LLC. The Quicken Social Security Optimizer, available for $49.99 for Windows and Mac operating systems, easily shows people how to:
- File for Social Security to maximize estimated lifetime benefits.
- Determine the most advantageous way to file for Social Security benefits and the dollar value those advantages might yield.
- Compare different retirement scenarios to evaluate those best suited for themselves and their family.
Simplifies the Process
“Determining how and when is the best way to file for Social Security benefits can be a very complicated process and so many people unwittingly lose out on maximizing the benefits they have earned,” said Stoyan Kenderov, head of business development for Intuit’s Consumer Ecosystem Group. “Together, Intuit and LifeYield are providing people with an easy-to-use tool so they can help determine the filing strategy that is most beneficial for them.”
According to a 2014 report by the Social Security Administration, more than 59 million Americans received almost $863 billion in Social Security benefits. The report also cited among elderly Social Security beneficiaries, 52 percent of married couples and 74 percent of unmarried persons receive 50 percent or more of their income from Social Security. Yet, many consumers don’t think of Social Security as a financial asset they can control.
“Social Security benefits are an important part of an individual’s financial portfolio,” said Mark Hoffman, CEO of LifeYield. “We’re thrilled to bring the Quicken Social Security Optimizer directly to consumers and put the power of retirement planning in their hands.”
Many Factors Affect Benefits
While many think that delaying filing for Social Security is the only way to increase benefits, numerous other factors can also come into play. These include the option to file for benefits but delay receiving payments, which is known as file and suspend, or to file for your own, a spouse’s or former spouse’s benefits, which are difficult to determine manually. Many people file at the earliest age possible often because they need the income, but they are not fully aware of the significant advantages of delaying by even a few years.
“When people think of Social Security they often think of something, sometime way off in the distance, but it’s never too early to plan ahead,” said Hoffman. “Instead of waiting until it’s actually time to file, if people start thinking about Social Security in their early 50s, and revisit it as their circumstances change, they can make better informed decisions. The Quicken Social Security Optimizer can help people make these better choices so they can get more during retirement.”
Pricing and Availability
The Quicken Social Security Optimizer does not constitute financial, investment or legal advice and is available for $49.99 for the first year, and as low as $9.99 for each subsequent year if customers auto-renew at www.quickensso.com. It can be accessed through any browser on any desktop, laptop or mobile device.
About Intuit Inc.
Intuit
Inc. creates business and financial management solutions that
simplify the business of life for small businesses, consumers and
accounting professionals. Its flagship products and services include QuickBooks®,
Quicken®
and TurboTax®,
which make it easier to manage small
businesses and payroll
processing, personal
finance, and tax
preparation and filing. Mint.com
provides a fresh, easy and intelligent way for people to manage their
money, while Demandforce®
offers marketing and communication tools for small businesses. ProSeries®
and Lacerte®
are Intuit's leading tax preparation offerings for professional
accountants.
Founded in 1983, Intuit had revenue of $4.5 billion in its fiscal year 2014. The company has approximately 8,000 employees with major offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India and other locations. More information can be found at www.intuit.com.
About LifeYield
Coordinated
Account, Social Security, and Income Management Software.
LifeYield was founded on the premise that individuals can get more out
of their assets when they, and their financial advisors, better
understand the complicated rules around them, such as investment taxes
and Social Security regulations. LifeYield’s easy-to-use software helps
people use these rules to their advantage so they can maximize their
assets and income during accumulation and in retirement. LifeYield was
founded in 2008 by successful financial technology industry veterans and
is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information, please
visit www.lifeyield.com.
