Most Americans Will Lose $100,000+ By Claiming Social Security the Wrong Way.

For every year you delay claiming past your Full Retirement Age (66–67), your benefit grows by 8% — guaranteed. That's a risk-free, inflation-adjusted, government-backed 8% return that no investment product can reliably match. Waiting from 62 to 70 increases your benefit by up to 77%.

Couples can potentially collect two benefits simultaneously using the right claiming sequence. The lower earner often claims early while the higher earner delays. This maximizes the survivor benefit — the higher earner's benefit becomes the surviving spouse's permanent income when one partner passes.

The "break-even age" is when total lifetime benefits from delaying surpass total benefits from claiming early. For most Americans it's age 78–80. With average life expectancy at 84+ for women and 81+ for men, delaying almost always wins — especially when accounting for COLA adjustments.

Our experts teach that Social Security should be viewed as longevity insurance — not a savings account. The longer you live, the more critical maximizing your monthly benefit becomes. Pair it with an annuity to create a guaranteed income floor, then use other assets for growth.

Certain older Americans may still qualify to file a restricted application — collecting only spousal benefits while their own benefit grows. This strategy was largely eliminated by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, but those grandfathered in can collect spousal benefits while deferring their own.

Up to 85% of your Social Security benefit may be taxable depending on your "combined income." Our advisors warn of the "Tax Torpedo" — a spike in effective tax rates during retirement caused by SS taxation stacking on top of RMDs. Smart Roth conversions in your 60s can dramatically reduce this tax exposure.