A model built within a spreadsheet application can determine the point at which the cumulative value of Social Security benefits received equals the cumulative value of contributions made. This involves projecting future benefit payments based on various factors, including assumed life expectancy, claiming age, and estimated future Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), while also accounting for the accumulated value of past and projected future contributions. An example would be comparing various claiming ages to find the optimal age to begin receiving benefits to maximize lifetime income.
Planning for retirement necessitates understanding the interaction between contributions and benefits. Such a model allows individuals to evaluate the long-term financial implications of their Social Security claiming strategies. It can help determine the optimal age to begin receiving benefits based on individual circumstances and financial goals. Historically, readily available software tools for this kind of analysis were limited. The increasing accessibility of spreadsheet software has empowered individuals to undertake this crucial planning step themselves.