Demystifying Social Security: What Everyone Should Know

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli talks with Martha Shedden, Co-Founder and President of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts (NARSSA). 

Together, they discuss what Social Security really is, how it works, and why it matters to every family. They talk about what Social Security covers beyond retirement, why it’s more stable than people think, and how understanding it can help you plan with less fear and more confidence. 

Martha shares information that helps make sense of a system that often feels overwhelming. This conversation is for anyone who wants to plan ahead, support aging parents, or understand how Social Security fits into long-term financial security. 

Key takeaways: 

• What Social Security actually includes and why it’s more than a retirement check. 
• How and when to claim benefits. 
• The truth about funding and the “running out” myth. 
• Why early planning helps ease stress later. 

It’s a clear, grounded look at a system that touches nearly 69 million Americans and one that every family needs to understand. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Martha Shedden – www.narssa.org | www.rssa.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli – https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Social Security Administration – https://www.ssa.gov 

If this conversation helped you see things a little more clearly, please like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with future episodes.