Ep. 128: 5 Reasons Delaying Social Security Could Be a Mistake

Most advice for retirees suggests delaying Social Security as long as possible. But is that always the right move?

In this episode, we’ll discuss five real-world situations where claiming Social Security earlier may actually be the better decision.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How longevity impacts your claiming strategy
✔️ Why Social Security break-even calculators may be incomplete
✔️ The hidden impact claiming decisions can have on your investment portfolio
✔️ How Social Security affects legacy planning and leaving money to your children
✔️ Spousal and survivor benefit considerations
✔️ Why many retirees struggle psychologically with spending their nest egg
✔️ How claiming benefits early can help manage sequence of returns risk during market downturns

The reality is that Social Security claiming decisions should never be made in isolation. They should be coordinated with your retirement income plan, tax strategy, investment portfolio, legacy and lifestyle goals.

If you’re approaching retirement and wondering whether to claim Social Security at 62, at Full Retirement Age, or at 70, this episode will help you understand the trade-offs and make a more informed decision. Hope it helps.

-Kevin

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This is for general education purposes only and should not be considered as tax, legal, or investment advice.

Kevin Lao

I am the owner and lead financial planner @ IFS. We are an independent firm specializing in retirement planning. I also host The Planning for Retirement Podcast and can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming services. I live in Chattanooga, TN with my wife, three boys and two rescue pups. I love to travel, play golf and smoke (and eat) meats.