When people hear about billionaires or corporations paying little to no taxes, the common response is frustration — “They’re using loopholes!” But here’s the truth: there are no loopholes. There’s just the tax code — and understanding how to legally use it to your advantage.

When it comes to retirement planning, few decisions are as misunderstood as when to take Social Security. For many Americans, Social Security will make up a significant portion of retirement income, yet most people take it too early, leaving tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table over their lifetime. Let’s break down how to think strategically about when to claim Social Security and how it fits into your broader financial plan.

Most financial advisors in the U.S. build their forecasts, models, and expectations for the future based on one thing — American history. They look at past recessions, bull markets, inflation cycles, and Fed policy decisions to make assumptions about what’s next. But here’s the problem: America’s story is only 250 years old. That’s barely a chapter in the book of world history.