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Why More Interactive Brokers Group Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

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'Interactive Brokers Group employees weighing when to file for Social Security should consider both current health care costs and long-term income needs, so they can stay adaptable as retirement unfolds.' — Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Interactive Brokers Group employees can benefit from thoughtfully coordinating Social Security timing with health care expenses so their retirement income stays aligned with their evolving needs over time.' — Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How Social Security filing age affects retirement income.
How Medicare expenses factor into when retirees claim benefits.
Why emotional concerns are shifting filing behavior for many Americans.

Written by Wealth Enhancement advisors Kevin Landis, CPA and Wesley Boudreaux

Advisors in the retirement-income space have long suggested that retirees consider delaying filing for Social Security benefits. For those with a full retirement age (FRA) of 67, waiting until age 70 can result in monthly payments that are around 24% higher. ¹ And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%. ¹ Interactive Brokers Group employees nearing retirement often hear this same message.

However, new national data indicates a growing number of Americans plan to claim Social Security before age 70. Cost pressures and health care related issues are major influences in this trend.

The Retirees’ Reality

Today’s retirees face a very different environment than those in past decades, including less access to traditional pensions, rising health care costs, and mounting everyday living expenses. In the private sector, only about 15% of workers still have access to defined benefit pensions, ² affecting many households and Interactive Brokers Group employees.

According to retirement consultant Wesley Boudreaux, 'most retirees are not choosing to claim early for the sake of it.” Instead, rising medical and living costs are driving earlier benefit decisions because of cash flow pressures.

One major factor? Health care. Nearly 39% of out-of-pocket health care spending by Medicare beneficiaries was equivalent to Social Security payments received, on average, in 2022. ³

Medicare Advantage: A Key Planning Factor

Additionally, shifts in Medicare Advantage plans have left many retirees unsure about upcoming costs. Benefit structures can vary significantly by year or by region, causing cost surprises that Interactive Brokers Group workers and their families may need to plan for.

“We are already seeing clients paying more for health care than expected,” said Kevin Landis, CPA. “When medical expenses rise, Social Security often becomes the first lever people pull to handle that burden.”

This is why coordinating Social Security filing decisions with Medicare coverage choices remains important, particularly when plans change annually.

“This is the intersection of Social Security and health care planning,” Landis adds. “Changes in one can influence the other.”

Emotional Considerations Also Matter

Money matters aren’t the only reason retirees claim earlier. Concerns about the future of Social Security have caused many to look for the emotional comfort of taking benefits sooner, including some Interactive Brokers Group workers preparing for retirement.

While benefits are expected to continue—even if trust fund reserves decline in the 2030s—worries about future payouts can play a role.

“It’s not just about math,” Boudreaux explains. “People want control and stability in retirement, even if that means receiving less over time.”

Finding the Right Approach for You

Whether filing early is a good fit depends a lot on health, cash flow needs, and longer-term retirement goals. Thoughtful planning helps maintain flexibility, rather than driving you to respond under pressure.

“The best approach balances today’s needs with what lies ahead,” Landis says. “And that begins with understanding how Medicare and Social Security interact.”

Need Help Reviewing Your Options?

The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement, helps individuals evaluate Medicare electives, analyze Social Security filing alternatives, and design retirement income strategies based on personal goals—including guidance tailored to those employed by Interactive Brokers Group.

ðŸ“ž Call (800) 900-5867 before your next enrollment period to schedule a Social Security & Health Care Review.

Work toward confidence in your long-term retirement income decisions.

About the Authors

Wesley Boudreaux and Kevin Landis, CPA, provide retirement income and tax planning guidance through Wealth Enhancement, helping people make informed choices about Social Security, Medicare, and financial well-being.

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Sources:

1. CNBC. ' Does it still make sense to wait to claim Social Security retirement benefits? ' by Lorie Konish. 29 Apr. 2025.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ' 15 percent of private industry workers had access to a defined benefit retirement plan ,' 10 Apr. 2024.
3. Kaiser Family Foundation. “ Health Costs Consume a Large Portion of Income for Millions of People with Medicare ,' by Ochieng, Nancy; Juliette Cubanski; Tricia Neuman; Anthony Damico. 21 Aug. 2025.
Other Resources:
1. Social Security Administration. When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits: Publication No. 05-10147 . May 2024. U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington D.C.
2. Topoleski, John J., Elizabeth A. Myers, and Sylvia L. Bryan. Worker Participation in Employer-Sponsored Pensions: Data in Brief and Recent Trends (R43439) . Congressional Research Service, 18 Sept. 2024.
3. Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. Report to the Congress: Medicare Payment Policy – Chapter 11: The Medicare Advantage Program: Status Report . Mar. 2025, medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mar25_Ch11_MedPAC_Report_To_Congress_SEC.pdf.
4. Board of Trustees, Social Security. 2025 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds . 30 June 2025. U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington D.C.

What type of retirement savings plan does Interactive Brokers Group offer to its employees?

Interactive Brokers Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Interactive Brokers Group provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Interactive Brokers Group provides a matching contribution to eligible employees participating in the 401(k) plan.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan?

Employees of Interactive Brokers Group typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a certain period of service, as defined in the plan documents.

Can employees of Interactive Brokers Group choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of Interactive Brokers Group can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.

What investment options are available in the Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan?

The Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan?

Yes, Interactive Brokers Group has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.

How can employees of Interactive Brokers Group access their 401(k) account information?

Employees of Interactive Brokers Group can access their 401(k) account information through the company’s HR portal or the plan's designated website.

Does Interactive Brokers Group allow loans against the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Interactive Brokers Group may allow participants to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Interactive Brokers Group?

If you leave Interactive Brokers Group, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the Interactive Brokers Group plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with the Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Pension Plan Details: Years of Service and Age Qualification: Criteria for eligibility. Pension Formula: How pension benefits are calculated. Name of Pension Plan: Official title of the pension plan. 401(k) Plan Details: Eligibility: Who qualifies for the 401(k) plan. Name of the 401(k) Plan: Official title of the 401(k) plan.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Interactive Brokers Group has been undergoing restructuring to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. In late 2023, the company announced a reduction in its workforce by approximately 5% as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy. This decision aligns with their focus on improving profitability amid fluctuating market conditions. Source: Bloomberg Importance: Given the current economic uncertainty and market volatility, it is crucial to understand how companies like Interactive Brokers are adapting their workforce strategies. This is important for assessing potential impacts on investment stability and overall financial health

Stock Options (SO): SOs are typically granted to employees as part of their compensation package, giving them the right to buy company stock at a fixed price in the future. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): RSUs are company shares given to employees, which vest over time, meaning employees earn the shares as they remain with the company.

Health Benefits Overview: Interactive Brokers Group's official website often contains a section dedicated to employee benefits, including health insurance options, wellness programs, and other health-related benefits. Healthcare Terms and Acronyms: Common terms may include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), and HSA (Health Savings Account).