What is the best strategy for Social Security?

There is no universal “right age” to claim benefits. The optimal strategy depends on

several personal and financial factors, including your cash flow needs, health and family

longevity, marital status (married, divorced, or widowed), and the availability of other

income sources. The performance of your investments and your plans for continued

work also play a critical role.

Understanding the rules is essential. Once you reach full retirement age, you may work

and earn unlimited income without any reduction to your Social Security benefit.

However, claiming benefits before full retirement age while continuing to work can result

in a temporary reduction due to the earnings test.

Because Social Security provides lifetime, inflation-adjusted income, the decision of

when and how to claim should be approached strategically. For most retirees, it is one

of the most consequential financial decisions they will make, and careful analysis can

materially improve long-term retirement security.

We can help calculate your benefit at different claiming ages, identify your break-even

points, and model multiple scenarios to evaluate the trade-offs. A personalized Social

Security analysis can help you make a confident, informed decision that supports your

broader retirement plan. If you are approaching retirement or already receiving benefits,

now is the time to review your strategy and ensure it is aligned with your long-term

financial goals.