Good morning, Simply Retirement Community!

Welcome to the weekly newsletter that reminds us that retirement is not the end of the road; it is the start of a new journey.

Last week, our granddaughter spent a few days with us. At one point, she looked up at me and said, “Pa Pa sit?”

Two simple words, but a powerful reminder.

What she meant was clear.

Stop what you are doing. Sit down. Be with me.

I truly love what I do. Helping people make important decisions about their future is meaningful work, and I am grateful for it every day.

But if I am being honest, loving your work can be both a blessing and a challenge. It is easy to get caught up in the responsibility, the problem-solving, and everything that fills the calendar. Over time, that can take a toll if we let it.

A two-year-old does not care about any of that.

She just wants time.

And in that moment, I was reminded that she was not asking for perfection or productivity. She was asking for presence.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do is exactly what she asked me to do.

Pa Pa sit. ❤️

What Is the Future of Social Security?

Many women approaching retirement worry that Social Security may not be there when they need it most. That uncertainty can make retirement planning feel overwhelming.

But what do the numbers actually say?

In this episode, I break down the real projections behind Social Security and what they mean for women approaching retirement. I explain why benefits are not expected to disappear, how potential reductions could work, and how to plan conservatively without making decisions based on fear. Most importantly, I walk through how Social Security fits into the broader retirement income puzzle.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Social Security is projected to continue paying benefits even if the trust fund faces depletion
• What the projected 81% funding level actually means for future benefits
• Why Social Security remains a foundational piece of retirement income for many women
• How to stress test your retirement plan with a possible 20% benefit reduction
• How Social Security should fit into your broader retirement income strategy
• And more!

You can catch every episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast on the website - or on your favorite podcast app.

​CLICK TO TUNE IN 👇

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Related Links & Resources

• 👉 Work with us!​
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  • ​Episode 97 Transcript​
  • ​The 2025 OASDI Trustees Report​
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The Simply Retirement Toolbox

👉 What Issues Should I Consider With My Social Security Retirement Benefits?​​​​​

Social Security retirement benefits can be particularly complex, and many really struggle with their decision on how to file.

With proper guidance, you will be able to determine how to best approach their Social Security retirement benefits and whether your benefits may tie in with other financial planning goals.

This checklist covers the key issues to consider when you must make a decision surrounding your Social Security retirement benefits, such as:

• Determining whether they should file early or delay their benefits.
• Understanding the claiming options they have at their disposal.
• Coordinating their benefits with the spouse or ex-spouse.
• Understanding how their benefits may impact other tax-planning goals.

Have more questions about retirement planning? Just hit reply to this email. I read and respond to every message. 😃

Keeping Retirement Simple,

Eric Blake, CFP®

​Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. Results will vary. Past performance is no indication of future results or success. Market conditions change continuously.

Information here is provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither Blake Wealth Management nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of Blake Wealth Management. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, their employees, or their clients.

This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Blake Wealth Management or RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC ("RFG Advisory" or "RFG") a registered investment advisor. Blake Wealth Management and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.