For years, financial advisors have praised waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security as the smartest retirement move. It’s true that delaying increases your monthly check, but that advice isn’t right for everyone. Many retirees find that personal health, marital status, and income needs outweigh the mathematical benefit. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), nearly one-third of Americans still claim benefits before full retirement age. Understanding the pros and cons can help you decide whether waiting really serves your long-term goals—or just delays money you’ve already earned.
