Social Security Expert Designation

[somarco]

approving the reduction surgery

So . . . you wanted to make it smaller???

 

[Tahoe Ray]

So . . . you wanted to make it smaller???

It was hurting his back, duh.

 

[somarco]

It was hurting his back, duh.

Oh yeah . . . I forgot that part . . .

 

[Allen Trent]

So . . . you wanted to make it smaller???

3 herniated discs, years of being made fun of in the locker room, getting hit on by teachers, friends mom's (and a couple dad's), wouldn't you pursue changes to have a normal life?

 

[somarco]

made fun of in the locker room, getting hit on by teachers, friends mom's (and a couple dad's),

So, in addition to your other issues, you hit from both sides of the plate as well?

TMI . . .

 

[CALTCAgent]

I know of a California Agent with this same affliction. Its a terrible burden.

And to think all the original poster wanted was a discussion on social security designations.

 

[Allen Trent]

So, in addition to your other issues, you hit from both sides of the plate as well?

TMI . . .

No, certainly not but it doesn't always stop all 10 sides of the plate from trying

 

[Allen Trent]

I know of a California Agent with this same affliction. Its a terrible burden.

And to think all the original poster wanted was a discussion on social security designations.

Just preparing OP for all the various topics that can arise during a discussion of benefit eligibility. Not all appointments & discussions stay on topic like the mock sales appointment with trainers. If this was easy, everyone would be successful at it

 

[policywunk]

Well, I happen to be a Certified National Social Security Advisor. The National Social Security Advisor certificate program happens to be the only accredited Social Security program in the U.S. This organizations consists of accountants, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, tax attorneys, financial advisors, life insurance agents - and that's all I know about. I got in during the program's infancy, before all the other programs came out. I suspect that most of the programs came out because the NSSA spoke to clients about a very specific strategy that essentially was a loophole in the how one could delay receiving his/her own Social Security and essentially collecting on his/her spouse's (it is called a Restricted Application which will be totally phased out by 12/21/2023).

I personally do not conduct seminars Social Security tactics for this as my experience has always been professional "Seminar Buffet Snackers", with little if any, intent to do business. As Travis stated, most people can log on and get their own information on what they will receive for monthly payments. I do get referrals from time to time regarding a client from a tax professional who needs to change health insurance programs due to retirement, change in income, etc. I also work with a lot of disabled people who are on workers compensation and how Social Security benefits can be affected, widows/widowers, special needs children - all of these individuals have very specific situations that needs the attention of someone who can provide assistance with SSA or SSI, and it is good to have a bona fide contact within this organization who actually worked for SSA, and is able to provide assistance with more of the complex situations that arise from time to time.

In my opinion, the merit of any certification program should be based on how one is going to utilize the designation in one's practice. Studying for CLU, ChFC, CFP makes sense for those who have a centralized focus of business and it gives him/her credibility. The Certified Senior Advisor designation (I hold that one as well, I obtained this designation in its infancy) was one of the tougher certification programs that I have ever participated. A CSA can be a person who renders services to a senior - elder law and estate attorneys, tax professionals, financial professionals, social workers, geriatric care managers, life and health insurance agents - we all contribute to the whole of the well-being of a senior. Ethical standards are exceptionally high. One learns with about a lot of different segments of senior life. The CSA designation is not acknowledged in some some states, so one cannot put it on a business card. Same with the NSSA. Both of these are related to life, health and annuity agents.

So, I suppose if one is going to focus on a specific market segment, these designations are a good way to learn more detailed information. One gets updated on the changes that take place as quickly as the come about. Some might say this is a waste of time and money, and that is an opinion. For me, it makes me like the Six Million Dollar Woman - it rounds out my knowledge base as I am constantly learning new things, it helps existing or future clients who may need assistance, and in some case I can return a favor by referring a client, and it helps posture me to be educated and current in my field.

P.S. To Somarco - I would LOVE one of the badges!

Badges? With your certification you don't need to show no stinkin' badges...

 

[CALTCAgent]

Badges? With your certification you don't need to show no stinkin' badges...

I finally know where that famous saying comes from.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre