Researchers tell us that most people would be better off waiting to claim Social Security benefits. Yet most people file early.
More than half apply for Social Security before they reach full retirement age, which is currently 66 and rising to 67 for people born in 1960 and later. More than 30% apply as soon as they can — at age 62. Only about one in 25 applicants waits until age 70, when monthly benefits max out.
Some people have little choice, of course. They may have no savings and no job. Others have better options than applying early, but don’t realize it.
In my latest for the Associated Press, the myths surrounding Social Security.
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