Claiming Social Security Benefits without a Plan May Prove Costly

Darcy Bergen is the president of Bergen Financial Group. At his company, Darcy Bergen provides Americans with retirement and social security planning services. 

When should you claim social security? Most people already have an age in mind. It could be 62, 65, 70, or the age at which they plan to retire. However, going about this issue in this way is not advisable. Social security benefits can be accurately calculated. Claiming too early can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. And that’s not all - how you claim is also important.

Legally, you can start claiming social security as soon as you reach 62, but that doesn’t mean that is the ideal age for you. Claiming later can be more advantageous. You can even increase your social security benefits by up to 75 percent with the right electives. 

You have been saving all your life, so you will want to maximize your income post-retirement. It’s no longer just about having some money for upkeep in retirement, but about living your best life then.

If maximizing your benefits is what you want, consult a retirement planning professional to help you decide just when to claim social security. If you recently claimed benefits, do not be worried. You have a 12-month window from the time you applied for benefits to reverse any social security decisions you made. Consult a retirement planning professional for guidance on how best to proceed.

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