Social Security makes up about 40% of the average retiree’s household income, according to the Social Security Administration. Yet most people spend more time planning their next vacation than optimizing their Social Security.
The end result? The typical household misses out on $110,000 in income and $68,000 in savings over their lifetime (*University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study). That’s money that could provide peace of mind, support loved ones, and make retirement more enjoyable.
So why don’t more people get this right? Because they’re confused, overwhelmed, and misinformed. They’ve heard myths like:
in lifetime income the average household leaves on the table
Hi, my name is Geoff Schmidt. I’m a CPA, award winning author, Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA) and have an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. I also have 25 years experience in the financial services industry in New York City.
I’m the host of a popular YouTube Channel focused on retirement and Social Security – Holy Schmidt! with over 400,000 subscribers, 400 videos, over 60 million views and 5 million hours of watch time.
I created Social Security Simplified because there was no clear, easy way to learn what everyone needs to know. This course makes complex decisions simple—and helps people through one of the most important financial choices of their lives. And unlike a book, it’s always current.
Social Security Simplified is a clear, focused course that teaches you how the system really works—using plain language and third-grade math. In just 3–5 hours, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence to make one of the most important financial decisions of your life.
No fluff. No overwhelm. No scare tactics.
You’ll learn exactly how Social Security works from start to finish—so you can optimize your benefit based on your goals, your health, and your family’s needs.

The “engine” that determines the size of your benefit, and how to increase it—even late in your career.

A simple framework to match your Social Security strategy with your top priorities: income, protection, flexibility, or security.

Ensure your spouse and/or dependent(s) receives the highest possible benefit if something happens to you.

Understand how the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) helps you keep up—and where it may fall short.

Coordinate your and your spouse’s benefits for the biggest long- term payoff.

Know the income limits and benefit implications if you file early and keep working.

Learn the truth behind common fears—and how misinformation leads to bad judgement and costly mistakes.

Use your workbook, worksheets, and real examples to walk through your decisions, step by step.

Course Graduate
“I found the course very helpful. It was very thorough. I got everything I wanted out of it. I needed to learn more about how I want to proceed with my strategy for my own social security, and I definitely got that and I got great value out of it, and I look forward to other classes coming from Geoff.”

Course Graduate
“I thought it was well-rounded and easy to navigate. It had a lot of great detail and great examples, and it simplified the process and helped me make a decision on how I want to proceed with collecting Social Security in the future.”

Course Graduate
“In taking this course, I was very comfortable from the beginning that this was going to be good for me because the definitions were there, the foundations were there, and it was a very deliberate approach into giving me an education as to what Social Security was and how it would fit my situation.”

Course Graduate
Yes and no. In theory, you can find all this information online—and people do. The only problem I have with this is that the “source of truth,” the Social Security Administration, has over 100,000 pages on its website, and the language is quite technical. The other—and bigger—issue is that controversy gets clicks, and even the most reputable news sources need to attract your attention. Recently, I released a video on YouTube about this point.
A stalwart of the news industry, whose reputation was once beyond reproach, put out an article titled “Social Security’s Full Retirement Age is Increasing in 2025. Here’s What to Know.” What the title should have said is: “Social Security’s Annual Full Retirement Age Increase, Agreed to in 1983, is On Track for Its 11th Scheduled Annual Increase.” (Try dropping the original title into a search engine. The actual story is anticlimactic.) Now imagine what’s said by news organizations—and individuals—who actively want to stir the pot. They tell flat-out lies.
This course turns years of research—some of which might not even be correct—into a source of truth that can be completed in about 3 to 4 hours if someone is motivated. We recommend completing it over the course of a week.
It may have a funny name, but it is a serious guarantee. If, within 30 days, you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll promptly refund 100% of your payment. Once the refund is issued, you’ll be unenrolled from the course and removed from the Retirement Ready Academy community.
Within our courses is a hidden gem—one that only gets better with time. It’s called the Retirement Ready Community. Everyone who signs up for Social Security Simplified automatically gains access to the community. Inside, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals who support each other. There are also community-only events, live seminars, free mini-courses (updated regularly), and even meet-ups hosted in cities across the United States. Participation is optional—but incredibly powerful.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE COURSE
All in one solution
Social Security Simplified…
$297one-time
30-day "No-Bull Schmidt" guarantee — If you're not completely satisfied within 30 days, we'll refund 100% of your payment. No questions asked.