Suze Orman Social Security Tips for 2025 Retirement

By Brent Meyer — SafeMoney.com Founder & Editor Reviewed by Licensed Financial Professionals  |  SafeMoney.com — Trusted Since 2011  |  Updated Regularly Quick Answer: What does Suze Orman say about Social Security? Get her latest advice on when to claim, how to maximize benefits, and smart retirement income strategies. Planning for retirement is a crucial task for Americans, yet it often comes with complex details that can overwhelm even the savviest savers. Personal finance expert and bestselling author Suze Orman continues to shed light on these intricacies, particularly when it comes to Social Security—a vital component of most retirement plans. For those navigating the challenges of retirement planning, understanding updates and strategies related to Social Security benefits can significantly impact their financial well-being. Here’s a breakdown of Orman’s latest advice on Social Security for 2025 and how to make the most of these benefits. The Role of Social Security in Retirement Social Security serves as a cornerstone of retirement income for many Americans. Yet, as Orman emphasizes, it should not be the sole source of financial support. Most individuals also rely on savings from employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to sustain their desired lifestyle in retirement. “Social Security was never designed to be your only source of income during retirement,” Orman often reminds her audience. By combining Social Security with personal savings, retirees can better address the rising costs of living, healthcare, and housing. The 2025 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) One of the key updates for 2025 is a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients. While this increase may appear modest—especially compared to the 8.7% COLA of 2023—it reflects a positive trend in inflation stabilization. “A smaller inflation adjustment can feel disappointing,” Orman explains. “But it’s actually good news. It reflects that we are no longer dealing with basic expenses rising at a fast rate.” For retirees, this smaller COLA means less pressure on their budgets, but it also underscores the importance of diversifying income sources beyond Social Security. Why Waiting to Claim Social Security Matters A common pitfall for retirees is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they become eligible at age 62. While it may be tempting, Orman strongly advises against this move unl