6–7 PM

For many retirees, Social Security checks are one of the largest sources of lifetime income, yet they also represent one of the most misunderstood forms of support by the U.S. government. Questions about when to claim, how benefits are calculated, whether they’re taxable, and how spouses and other surviving family members are affected can make the subject feel overwhelming.

In this educational workshop led by Island financial planner Grant Joiner, he’ll simplify the system and walk you through the key decisions that can have a lasting impact on your retirement.

Together, we’ll cover:

• How Social Security benefits are earned, calculated, and adjusted over time
• How to access and interpret your Social Security statement
• The trade-offs of claiming at age 62, full-retirement age, or age 70
• How taxes, employment, and other income can affect your benefits
• Strategies for married or divorced couples, widows, and widowers
• How Social Security fits into a broader retirement income plan and can help reduce pressure on your investment portfolio

We’ll also work through several real-world case studies comparing different claiming strategies so you can see how the decision changes depending on health, cash-flow needs, family circumstances, taxes, and retirement assets.

Whether retirement is just around the corner or still several years away, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your options, and the confidence to make more informed decisions about one of the most important retirement benefits you can receive.

About Grant

Grant Joiner is the founder of Vineyard Wealth Group, a fee-only, fiduciary financial-planning firm serving individuals and families on Martha’s Vineyard. A longtime Island resident and graduate of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, he has spent nearly 20 years helping clients navigate retirement, investment, tax, and estate-planning decisions. Before launching Vineyard Wealth Group, he spent nearly 14 years at Charles Schwab, where he managed one of the firm’s largest wealth-management complexes, and later served as a senior financial advisor at Martha’s Vineyard Investment Advisors. Grant is a certified financial planner® professional and an enrolled agent federally authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS. He is passionate about making complex financial topics accessible through practical, educational workshops that empower people to make informed decisions with confidence.