About the Course
Introduction
This course will delve into effective approaches for maximizing Social Security benefits and comprehending the fundamental aspects of Medicare. This comprehensive session will feature two distinguished experts who will unravel the intricacies of Social Security and Medicare, offering invaluable advice on identifying opportunities, addressing potential shortfalls, and recognizing the need for additional support.
Description
Social Security is a life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement income benefit earned during your working years. One out of four Americans relies on some assistance—61 million. The average American depends on Social Security for 40-60% of supplemental retirement income and 30% rely on this for most or all of their retirement income. There are almost 2,800 different regulations that oversee Social Security. Social Security employees are directed to only answer questions but cannot legally give advice.
With proper planning, individuals or couples can potentially see an $8,000 to over $30,000 a year increase in annual retirement income.
Every situation is different. Some clients are or have been married or are widowed; others work for entities not covered by Social Security; factor in minor children, and they too may be eligible for important benefits as well. Planning opportunities and recommendations vary based on each individual's life and financial situation.
Listen as our panel of experts dissects these intricate subjects using real life scenarios, offering actionable tips and guidance to optimize Social Security benefits and navigate the essentials of Medicare.
Presented By
Ms. O'Brien is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist with over 25 years' experience in the health insurance market, including 7 years focused on Medicare. She works as a trusted advisor to her clients and their families, educating them on all the parts of Medicare, the key decisions that need to be made, and the deadlines and consequences of each of these decisions. Ms. O'Brien is an independent agent so she is able to objectively review all available plans and help her clients find the right plan based on their particular circumstances. She has received high-praise from her clients in simplifying the abundance of information about Medicare and making them feel comfortable that they made the right choices for their own Medicare needs. Ms. O'Brien has a BBA in Marketing from St. Mary's University and an MBA from Georgia Insititute of Technology.
Ms. Sykes is a holistic fee-based fiduciary IAR advisor; she works on a fee-basis or fee-only basis that keeps things completely transparent and ensures clients get the advice in their best interests. Ms. Sykes offers customized financial planning, business planning, retirement planning, insurance planning, flat fee Social Security optimization planning, and general financial consulting. She is an experienced public speaker, presenter and media personality who has appeared on radio and television, including The Elizabeth Cooper Show, The Dana Barrett Show, Atlanta Business Radio and Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court.
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BARBRI is a NASBA CPE sponsor and this 110-minute webinar is accredited for 2.0 CPE credits.
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BARBRI is an IRS-approved continuing education provider offering certified courses for Enrolled Agents (EA) and Tax Return Preparers (RTRP).
Date + Time
- event
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
- schedule
1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT
I. Navigating the Social Security landscape
II. The impact of timing
III. Tailoring answers to individual situations
IV. Social Security in the family context
V. Medicare overview
The panel will cover these and other critical issues:
- Strategies to maximize Social Security retirement income
- The nexus between elected retirement age and overall contributions
- An overview of Medicare and recent changes
- Vital insights for grandparents undertaking full-time care of their grandchild
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Identify common Social Security planning strategies
- Ascertain when a client may qualify for additional benefits
- Determine steps necessary for Social Security eligibility
- Decide an appropriate retirement age to draw Social Security
- Field of Study: Taxes
- Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
- Advance Preparation: None
- Teaching Method: Seminar/Lecture
- Delivery Method: Group-Internet (via computer)
- Attendance Monitoring Method: Attendance is monitored electronically via a participant's PIN and through a series of attendance verification prompts displayed throughout the program
- Prerequisite:
Three years+ business or public firm experience preparing complex tax forms and schedules, supervising other preparers or accountants. Specific knowledge and understanding of individual income taxation, including itemized deductions, individual income tax credits, net operating loss limitations including carrybacks and carryforwards.
BARBRI, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of Accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE Credits. Complaints regarding registered sponsons may be submitted to NASBA through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.
BARBRI is an IRS-approved continuing education provider offering certified courses for Enrolled Agents (EA) and Tax Return Preparers (RTRP).
BARBRI CE webinars-powered by Barbri-are backed by our 100% unconditional money-back guarantee: If you are not satisfied with any of our products, simply let us know and get a full refund. Contact us at 1-800-926-7926 .
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