Discover When to Claim Social Security with a Free Social Security Optimization Report
- Jeff Schlotterbeck, CFP®
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
You’ve probably heard the advice:
“Delay Social Security until 70. You’ll get the biggest check.”
Mathematically, that’s true. But life isn’t lived in spreadsheets.
The “always wait” mantra has become so common that many people feel like claiming earlier means leaving money on the table. In reality, the right Social Security strategy depends on your health, lifestyle, longevity expectations, tax picture, and what you want your retirement years to look like.
Sometimes, claiming early is not a mistake — it’s a strategic move.
1. Retirement Isn’t Just About Income. It’s About Timing.
According to the Social Security Administration, nearly a quarter (23%) of Americans claim benefits at age 62, the earliest possible age.¹
That choice isn’t always about financial need. It’s often about priorities:
You want to enjoy more travel and experiences early in retirement
Your health is uncertain and you prefer guaranteed income sooner
You’d rather spend confidently while you feel your best
If your vision of retirement is more about living fully now than maximizing a future number, claiming earlier might align better with your goals.
2. The Break-Even Math Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Yes — delaying benefits until 70 can increase your monthly payment by up to 8% per year beyond your full retirement age.² Over time, that can add up.
But this assumes:
You won’t need to draw heavily from your portfolio while you wait
You’ll live long enough to reap the higher payments
You’re comfortable sacrificing flexibility today for more income later
Real life doesn’t always match those assumptions. Health events, market volatility, or life changes can alter the math fast.
That’s why I offer a free Social Security Optimization Report — to help you see your break-even age, lifetime income projections, and how different claiming strategies interact with your other assets and goals.
3. Your Social Security Strategy Should Fit Into Your Bigger Plan
Your claiming decision affects far more than just your monthly check:
Portfolio withdrawals: Claiming earlier can reduce how much you draw from investments.
Taxes: It impacts Roth conversion opportunities and future RMDs.
Medicare premiums: The timing of benefits can affect income-related premium adjustments.
That’s why generic “wait until 70” advice can fall short. The better question is:
How does Social Security fit into the retirement life I actually want?
How I Help Clients Make the Right Choice — With a Free Social Security Optimization Report
I work with pre-retirees every day who are asking questions like:
“Should I claim at 62, full retirement age, or 70?”
“How can I coordinate Social Security with my investments and taxes?”
“Can I retire earlier if I claim benefits sooner?”
To answer these questions, I create a complimentary Social Security Optimization Report that compares multiple claiming strategies side by side. It shows:
Lifetime benefit comparisons
Break-even analysis based on life expectancy assumptions
Impact on investment drawdowns and taxes
Coordination with your overall retirement income plan
This isn’t about a one-size-fits-all rule — it’s about aligning your benefits with your life and values.
Ready to See What’s Right for You?
If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement, this is the perfect time to evaluate your options.
Request your free Social Security Optimization Report today to see how different claiming ages could affect your lifetime income and tax picture.
Simply contact me or schedule a quick call to get started.
References
Social Security Administration, Annual Statistical Supplement 2025.https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/supplement/2025/6b.pdf
Social Security Administration, Retirement Planner: Delayed Retirement Credits.https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/delayret.html
Risk Disclosure: Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This material is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. For illustrative use only.