Most Americans take Social Security as soon as they can, at age 62, giving up the approximately 30% more they could receive, every month for the rest of their life, if they waited until full retirement age. Even those who retire at full retirement age are throwing away money: an increase in the basic benefit of 8% per year for every year up to age 70, guaranteed, risk-free, the safest and highest paying investment around.
So when should you take Social Security? When you have to.
You may be able to work longer.
You may be able to draw on your savings and investments for another year or two. Remember: none of those has as good a guaranteed return.
Elder law attorney, Terry Garrett, CELA, is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and is an Approved Guardianship Attorney. She assists people in elder law, estate and special needs planning, guardianship and settling estates. She graduated with honors from Cornell University. She was on the Dean’s List at Wharton Business School. She earned her J.D. at Columbia Law School, receiving the Parker Award and a Mellon Fellowship.
